In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. Olexander Motsyk emphasized the considerable input by the Antonovych Foundation into preservation and restoration of historical heritage of Ukraine, development of Ukrainian Studies, as well as promotion of Ukraine’s heritage in the world, and shaping its positive international image.

The annual awards presented by the Antonovych Foundation designed to honor prominent literary works in Ukrainian or Ukrainian studies. Over the years, the Antonovych Foundation presented more than 60 awards. Distinguished laureates include world renowned literature and science figures such as Orest Subtelny, David Sonders, Robert Conquest, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, Yaroslav Dashkevych, Yuri Andrukhovych, Lina Kostenko, Oksana Zabuzhko, Bogumila Berdychowska, and others.

This year's award winner is Leonid Finberg, Director of the Center for the Study of Jewish Culture in Eastern Europe of the Kyiv Mohyla University and Editor-in-Chief of the Publishing House “Dukh i Litera” (Spirit and Word) who has been honored with the Antonovych Foundation award for his personal contribution towards the building of civil society in Ukraine.

In the photo: Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.S. O.Motsyk and special guests of the event