February 26, 2016 — Washington, D.C.
Dina Siegel Vann, director of AJC’s Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs, was honored by the Spanish government with its prestigious Order of Commander of Civil Merit.
“Ms. Siegel Vann is an exemplary individual who deserves our most sincere recognition and gratitude,” said Ambassador Ramón Gil-Casares, who presented the award on behalf of King Felipe VI.
“For many years, Dina has been extraordinarily engaged with our embassy and perceived as a true friend of Spain and its people,” said the ambassador. “Throughout her career, Ms. Siegel Vann has been instrumental in promoting and strengthening the relations between Spain and the United States, particularly with the Sephardic communities in the U.S. and throughout Latin America.”
The Order of Commander of Civil Merit was established by King Alfonso XIII IN 1926 to recognize “the civic virtues of officials at the service of the State and of extraordinary services rendered by Spanish and foreign citizens on behalf of Spain.”
Thanking the Spanish government “for this precious recognition,” Siegal Vann said, “I’m deeply humbled to be in the company of so many outstanding individuals the world over who have been recipients of this time-honored distinction. I’m particularly moved and gratified that it’s being bestowed by you, Ambassador Gil-Casares, someone I deeply admire and value as a talented diplomat, a cherished ally and a dear friend.”
