Dorchinsky Receives 2023 Zionist Legacy Award

Cheryl Feingold Dorchinsky was awarded the Zionist Legacy Award from the World Zionist Organization for her work on behalf of the Atlanta Israel Coalition, a grassroots organization she founded in 2018 to unite the pro-Israel community in Atlanta and beyond.

The award was presented during an Atlanta Friends of Israel event at Beth Jacob Synagogue. In recognizing Dorchinsky, the organization focused on the major impact that she and the Atlanta Israel Coalition has had in educating and advocating for Israel both in Atlanta and globally.

“Cheryl is a model for activism, ideology and Zionist leadership, not just for the Atlanta community, but for the Jewish world at large. The diaspora department of the World Zionist Organization strives to strengthen the bonds between the Jewish people and Israel. It is our belief that these two components – the people and the land – are inseparable from each other. Israel is a core part of the Jewish identity. Regardless of a person’s religious affiliation, his connection with Israel should always remain a point of pride in his identity. It is in this spirit that we selected Cheryl Feingold Dorchinsky as the recipient this year for her exemplary work,” said Nerya Meir, head of the diaspora department of the World Zionist Organization.

Anat Sultan-Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, and Cherly Dorchinsky

Anat Sultan-Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, was also present and recognized Dorchinsky at the event for the work she does year-round to support Zionism and people’s connection to Israel.

“It is not about the size of an organization. It’s about your heart and the passion you have for the state of Israel,” said Sultan-Dadon in acknowledging Dorchinsky’s work.

In accepting the award, Dorchinsky pointed out to those in attendance that they cannot take Zionism for granted. “I think Zionism is a beautiful word and that we should all embrace the term and use it more,” she stressed.

The Atlanta Israel Coalition fosters a non-partisan, multi-faith effort to amplify pro-Israel voices. Since its founding, AIC has hosted or partnered on more than 100 Israel-related educational programs and rallies. In 2022, AIC led a multi-faith Zionist global mission to Israel and an online virtual series of 12 tours throughout cities and sites in Israel. They also have hosted a variety of speakers on topics ranging from combating anti-Zionism and antisemitism to fighting the BDS war in the entertainment industry. Through programming that educates, enlightens, and inspires, while simultaneously combating misinformation, the organization’s vision is a world free of anti-Zionism and antisemitism.

The Legacy Award is presented to one individual each year by the WZO. The 2022 recipient was Rob Schwartz, filmmaker and the executive producer of the documentary film, “Upheaval,” about the life of Menachem Begin. The WZO was founded by Theodore Herzl with the goal of building a Jewish state in Israel. Since the establishment of the modern state, the WZO continues to promote Zionism and strengthen the connection to Judaism, Zionism and Israel among Jewish people from around the world. Specifically, the department of Zionist activities in diaspora builds relationships with Jewish Federations, communities, and organizations all over the world to connect Jews to Israel through partnerships with local organizations, impactful experiences, and educational programs.

To get involved with the Atlanta Israel Coalition, please send an email to atlisraelco@gmail.com.