2012 Yakir Keren Hayesod Award recipient
Munich, Germany
On June 18, 2012, at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, our dear friend David Leschem was awarded the 2012 Yakir Keren Hayesod Award by President Shimon Peres and KH leadership. Dr. Leschem was born in Haifa (1943) served in the IDF before studying medicine in Munich and becoming a famous neurologist. A highly respected community leader, he has been KH Munich Chairman since 1991 and was also KH Germany National Chairman in 2002-3. Over the years, he has promoted countless initiatives to enhance Israel’s image and supported numerous Israeli institutions. Dr. Leschem is married to Nicole; they have two children, Ilan and Dana, and two grandchildren.
Dr. David Leschem with the Yakir Award and from left to right: Greg Masel, KH Director general; Julia Koschitzky, KH Honorary President ; Moodi Sandberg, KH World Chairman and Yohanna Arbib-Perugia – Chair, KH World Board of Trustees.
Dr. David Leschem was born in Haifa, Israel, in 1943, to his parents Moshe and Haya, who immigrated to then Mandatory Palestine from Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Poland, in 1934. After completing matriculation in his native town, he joined the IDF and served in the Nachal (“Pioneer and Fighting Youth”), staying mostly at Kibbutz Yzreel, which was founded in 1948 and was at the time populated by young idealistic pioneers.
After returning to civil life, young David Leschem decided to dedicate himself to medecine and began his studies in Munich, Germany. After completing his doctorate in 1971, he followed six more years of intensive studies, specializing in neurosurgery and neurology, and eventually opened his own practice in 1981.
At the same time, he began his community involvement and in 1985, entered the Board of the Munich Jewish comunity, becoming a most respected leader both locally and on the national level.
Dr. Leschem with President Peres, at the Yakir Ceremony
His long-time involvement with Keren Hayesod is particularly impressive, as he chairs the KH Munich Campaign since 1991. He served also as KH Germany Campaign Chairman in 2002-2003.
On top of all this, he has been along the years the “voice of Israel” in his town and region, promoting countless initiatives to enhance Israel’s image and public standing and supporting numerous Israeli institutions.
Dr. Leschem is married to Nicole; they have two children, Ilan and Dana, and two grandchildren.
