Sharri Markson to receive Scopus Award at Hebrew University centenary celebration
Renowned journalist Sharri Markson will make history next week as the first Australian to receive the prestigious Scopus Award, the highest honour bestowed by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The award will be presented at a special celebration in Sydney on Sunday, 3 August, as part of a national tour marking the university’s centenary.
Markson is being honoured for her unwavering commitment to Israel and the Jewish community. Over the past two years, the investigative journalist has led national conversations on antisemitism, convened the Sky News Antisemitism Summit, raised funds for Jewish security, and consistently used her media platform to confront bias and disinformation.
Sharri Markson
As host of Sharri on Sky News and a senior writer for The Australian, she has become a prominent voice on national affairs, media bias, and global security.
“Fighting antisemitism is something I care deeply about,” Markson said. “I never dreamt of being recognised for something that’s so intrinsic to my personal mission. I feel very humbled and grateful.”
Reflecting on the challenges facing the Jewish community, she added, “It’s been a tough 22 months. We never imagined we’d be fighting antisemitism in 2025. At times I feel helpless, but I’m doing everything I can—on air, at events, behind the scenes—to ensure our community remains safe.”
The Scopus Award, named after Hebrew University’s original Mount Scopus campus, was established in the 1950s and has previously been awarded to international luminaries including Frank Sinatra, Elie Wiesel, Simone Veil, Barbra Streisand, and several Nobel laureates. Markson is the first Australian recipient.
Rob Schneider, President of the Australian Friends of the Hebrew University, said Markson was a natural choice. “Sharri’s record of support for Israel and the Jewish people is extraordinary. She’s convened national forums, exposed media bias, and advocated passionately for our community. She embodies the values Hebrew University stands for—courage, integrity, and a commitment to truth.”
“She’s in prestigious company,” he added, “but so are they—you can quote me on that.”
The award will be presented at the Sydney celebration on Sunday, 3 August, at 6:30 pm (venue in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs to be announced). The event will also mark 100 years since the opening of Hebrew University’s Mount Scopus campus in 1925.
The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Menahem Ben-Sasson, Chancellor and former President of the Hebrew University. A distinguished academic and public leader, Professor Ben-Sasson chaired Israel’s Knesset Constitution Committee and is a noted expert on Jewish communities in Islamic lands. “He’s a very learned man, a talmid chacham,” Schneider said, “and we’re honoured to have him as our guest.”
The evening will also feature a panel discussion chaired by Leon Kempler AM, National Chair of the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce. Panellists will include Professor Ben-Sasson, Trade Commissioner Ohad Blumberg, and Noam Pilpel, both alumni of the university. The panel topic, “100 Years of Achievement – The Hebrew University and the Start-up Nation”, will highlight the university’s role in Israel’s innovation ecosystem, including its contribution to companies like Mobileye and Waze.
Hebrew University, Israel’s pre-eminent research institution, continues to lead in fields from medicine to technology. Its latest initiative, a Centre for Computational Medicine, will combine artificial intelligence and clinical research to advance personalised health outcomes. “It’s the first of its kind in Israel,” Schneider said, “and exactly the kind of project that reflects Hebrew University’s legacy of breakthrough science.”
Markson, who began her journalism career at 16 and has won multiple Walkley Awards, said the events of October 7 had fundamentally reshaped her Jewish identity. “Before then, it was just part of who I was. Now, it’s something I carry every day. Our identity is under attack, and we can’t afford to be passive.”
Her message to young Jewish Australians is clear: “Many are realising there’s a cost to being openly and proudly Jewish. But we have to stand tall and strong. We’ve done nothing wrong. We deserve our place in Australian society.”
In addition to Sydney, centenary events will be held in:
- Melbourne: Thursday, 31 July, 6:30 pm
- Perth: Wednesday, 6 August, 6:30 pm
Further details and booking information are available at the Australian Friends of the Hebrew University website.
