Washington, D.C – Renowned American investor and philanthropist George Soros has been honored with the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“We are thrilled to share that our founder, George Soros, has been recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian accolade in the United States,” declared the Open Society Foundations on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
President Joe Biden celebrated Soros for his unwavering commitment to creating more just societies and promoting human rights around the globe.
In his remarks, the President praised Soros: “His extraordinary generosity serves as a powerful reminder of our ability and duty to challenge the misuse of power and to sustain democracy for those who seek liberty.”
The award was presented by President Biden at a ceremony held at the White House, with Open Society Chair Alex Soros accepting the honor on behalf of his father.
Soros’s path to the United States was deeply shaped by his experiences during the Holocaust and his upbringing under Communist rule in Hungary.
Over 40 years ago, he launched his philanthropic efforts by creating scholarships for Black South African students amidst the apartheid regime.
Since then, he has contributed over $32 billion to support the mission of the Open Society Foundations.
Over the years, the organization has broadened its reach to more than 100 countries, funding civil society groups and programs that strengthen democracies worldwide.
In the United States, Soros has been a strong advocate for racial justice, endorsed reforms in drug policies based on public health, improved end-of-life care, and was instrumental in realizing marriage equality across the country – representing one of the most significant achievements for civil rights in contemporary American history.
Delve into the history of George Soros’s philanthropy and the Open Society Foundations.
