Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender travelled to New York City on 18 November. That evening, the Leo Baeck Institute presented the Federal President with the Leo Baeck Medal. Ronald Stephen Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress, gave the speech in Steinmeier’s honour.

Since 1978 the medal, which is named after the liberal German Rabbi Leo Baeck, has been awarded to people who have made an outstanding contribution to the work of German-Jewish reconciliation. Previous German prizewinners include Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Federal President Joachim Gauck.

The Leo Baeck Institute documents and researches the history and culture of German-speaking Jews. As an American institution, the Institute also regards itself as a transatlantic bridge-builder.

President Steinmeier received the award for his commitment over many years to preserving and nurturing Jewish life in Germany.

Overview of the programme:

• National September 11 Memorial & Museum
  Visit to the memorial and the museum
• Visit to Henry A. Kissinger

• Center for Jewish History
  Speech at the award ceremony for the Leo Baeck Medal