“A Quest for Justice: October 7 and Beyond” Awarded 2026 Ilia Salita Excellence in Research Award

The Jewish Funders Network (JFN) is pleased to announce that the research project A Quest for Justice: October 7 and Beyond has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Ilia Salita Excellence in Research Award (ERA). Led by Dr. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, this important research was recognized for its extensive documentation of atrocities committed on October 7 and its potential to support efforts to pursue justice and accountability.

Established by Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) in memory of their late CEO and President Ilia Salita z”l, the award, now administered by JFN, grants $15,000 annually to innovative and practical research that addresses contemporary Jewish issues. The 2026 award was presented at the JFN International Conference in San Diego.

A Quest for Justice: October 7 and Beyond compiles extensive evidence related to the attacks of October 7 and the crimes that followed. The project was recognized by the selection committee for both the depth of its documentation and the practical ways the research can support legal and policy efforts aimed at prosecuting those responsible. The findings may also contribute to broader global efforts to address similar crimes and strengthen mechanisms for accountability.

Through rigorous evidence collection and analysis, the research provides tools that may assist the Jewish community and the international community in documenting atrocities and pursuing justice for victims.

JFN will be hosting a webinar on May 5, where Professor Halperin-Kaddari will discuss her work and its implications in greater depth.

For more information about the Ilia Salita Excellence in Research Award and the Jewish Funders Network, please visit www.jfunders.org.