George Soros Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom: A Lifetime of Impact

On a frigid Saturday afternoon in the East Room of the White House, President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, to 19 distinguished individuals. Among them was George Soros, a renowned philanthropist and activist, recognized for his extraordinary contributions to the advancement of open societies and social justice around the globe. This prestigious award capped a remarkable career marked by unwavering commitment and impactful philanthropy.

A Legacy of Supporting Open Societies

Soros, a survivor of Nazi-occupied Hungary and subsequent communist repression, has dedicated his life to fostering freedom and justice worldwide. His journey began in 1979 with scholarships for Black South African students during the apartheid era, showcasing an early commitment to social justice. This innovative approach—working directly with local communities—has since become a model for many philanthropic organizations.

He demonstrated foresight by establishing his first foundation in Hungary, anticipating the fall of communism and subsequently expanding his support for democratic reforms across Eastern Europe. His foundations' work has since touched over 100 countries, focusing on human rights, justice, and access to information. Soros believes that critical thinking and free exchange of ideas are fundamental to open societies. He has implemented various strategies to this end, encompassing the establishment of educational initiatives like the Central European University and the promotion of discussions, arts, and culture. This has involved supporting scholarships, fellowships, translations, and even documentary film projects.

In the United States, Soros has been a pivotal figure in social justice movements. His efforts have included advancing racial justice, investing in public health-informed drug policy approaches, and revolutionizing end-of-life care. Notably, he played a significant role in achieving marriage equality nationwide. His actions helped secure one of modern American history’s most significant civil rights victories—the 2015 Supreme Court case ensuring marriage equality across all 50 states.

Responding to Global Crises and Modern Challenges

The Open Society Foundations, established and funded by Soros, continue to support civil society groups that sustain democracies worldwide. Recent years have seen Soros actively respond to global challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He has also consistently sounded the alarm about the threats posed by digital platforms and extremism.

His son, Alex Soros, accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom on his behalf, reflecting the profound impact of his father’s work.

Soros's Remarkable Philanthropy

Since 1984, George Soros has contributed over $32 billion of his personal fortune to the Open Society Foundations. This monumental contribution underlines his enduring commitment to advancing a more just and equitable world. The Open Society Foundations’ work covers a wide range of issues including promoting human rights, equity, and justice and fostering vibrant democracies.

A testament to Soros's influence is the statement made by Binaifer Nowrojee, president of the Open Society Foundations: “The medal marks George Soros’s lifelong commitment to promoting human rights, equity, and justice. George is always courageous in the fight for open society without fear or favor. He has never been interested in promoting his own voice, but standing as an ally of those who are excluded or not being heard.”

A Celebration of American Excellence

The Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony was not solely focused on George Soros. President Biden honored a diverse cohort of 19 exceptional individuals, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, and sports legends Lionel Messi and Earvin “Magic” Johnson. The event also recognized the achievements of other notable figures such as Bono, Anna Wintour, and José Andrés.

The ceremony highlighted the extraordinary contributions of individuals from various fields—culture, politics, sports, activism, and science—all unified by their commitment to serving their country and the world. President Biden’s closing remarks encapsulated the event’s sentiment: “Together, you leave an incredible mark—and I mean this sincerely, this group—you leave an incredible mark on our country.” The event served as a celebration of American excellence and the impact of individuals who have dedicated their lives to bettering society.

A Legacy of Impact

The Presidential Medal of Freedom serves as a fitting tribute to George Soros's lifelong commitment to creating more just and free societies. His contributions, spanning decades and continents, reflect a tireless pursuit of social justice and the unwavering belief in the power of open societies. His legacy extends far beyond personal accolades and signifies a testament to the enduring impact of selfless dedication to human rights and freedom around the world. It is a legacy that inspires continued action toward a more equitable future. The magnitude of his work continues to resonate and serves as an inspiration for those dedicated to creating a more just and free world. His impact and influence extend beyond personal recognition to inspire hope for a world dedicated to liberty and justice. This honor is a testament to a life spent in the service of creating a more just world.