The event was held at the Golden Hall of Teatro Colon. Argentina Negev Ben-Gurion University Friends Association Honoring the Attorney General of Buenos Aires, Julio Conte-Grand,and 2025 Ben-Gurion Prize.
As reported, “The award given to Mr. Comte Grand honors his 14 years of experience, characterized by an exemplary commitment to the defense of institutions, unwavering respect for the law, and tireless efforts to strengthen justice and democracy.” It was emphasized that “his integrity and commitment to service make him a pillar of our Republic.”
The ceremony was chaired by the association’s president, Nava Rubenzadeh, and was also attended by Eyal Serra, Israel’s ambassador to Argentina. National Worship Secretary Nahuel Sotelo. Menorah President, Rabbi Isaac Sakka, and diplomatic, academic, community, and judicial authorities. Former President Mauricio Macri, representatives of DAIA, and prominent figures from the fields of culture and journalism also participated.
Hilda Cogan, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Buenos Aires, who was specially selected by the Attorney General to present the commendation, had particularly emotional words.
Just as David Ben-Gurion thought of Israel as “an idea, a dream and a reality,” lawyer Conte Gran recalled, he thought of the province of Buenos Aires as a region where he worked every day to make sure “his dream of justice for all becomes a reality.”
In accepting this honor, the Attorney-General said: “Institutions are the way society is organized in a particular historical epoch. And that way is what gives the community its raison d’être, in an almost metaphysical sense: the certainty of things, the certainty of society, because without institutions there is no society. That is why we think the struggle over institutions is so important.”
He also emphasized the centrality of the common good, adding that without strong institutions, societies “will become groups of people pursuing their individual interests rather than the general good that sustains any community.”
The Attorney-General expressed his deep gratitude to those who trusted, supported and were part of his leadership team over the past few years, and emphasized the joint work aimed at strengthening the institutions that are the true basis of democratic functioning. He also paid special tribute to his family, considering their constant support to be an “indispensable support” in his career.
They also received an award for excellence at this second Ben-Gurion Awards. Marcos Aguinis (Main Award 2025), Daniel Haddad (special distinction) and Alfred Royco and Pilar Lahora (Honorable mention).
Founded in 1969 with the inspiration of former Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev was born with a vision to transform Israel’s southern desert into a center of scientific and human development. The Association of Friends of Universities of Argentina promotes the dissemination of programs in education, science, technology and social innovation in our country, lives up to its heritage of progress and works for the common good.
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