Robert Habush and Judge Derek Mosley to be Honored
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin – The Milwaukee Jewish Federation and Herb Kohl Philanthropies proudly announce the 2026 Herb Kohl Service Award recipients: Robert L. Habush and Judge Derek C. Mosley. These two extraordinary leaders exemplify lifelong commitments to service, philanthropy, and community impact, honoring the enduring legacy of Senator Herb Kohl.
Named in honor of one of Wisconsin’s most respected civic leaders, the Herb Kohl Service Award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to strengthening the Jewish community and enriching the broader fabric of life in Milwaukee and throughout the state. Rooted in the values of tzedakah (charitable giving) and tikkun olam (repairing the world), the award honors those who lead with humility, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.
“Herb believed deeply in the power of community, education, and public service, and in always putting people first,” said JoAnne Anton, President and CEO of Herb Kohl Philanthropies. “We are proud to honor these individuals who reflect those values and inspire others through their example.”
Robert L. Habush is a towering figure in both the legal profession and the Jewish community, whose decades of leadership and generosity have left an indelible mark. While his distinguished career as a nationally recognized trial attorney earned him widespread acclaim, it is his quiet, steadfast dedication to community service that defines his legacy. Habush has long been a leader in the Jewish community and at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, helping to guide major campaigns and initiatives that have strengthened Jewish life locally and globally.
His impact is evident in transformative efforts such as Operation Exodus and Operation Moses, which supported the rescue and resettlement of Jewish communities from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. Locally, his leadership has been instrumental in expanding and sustaining key institutions, including Jewish Family Services and the Jewish Community Center. Through the creation of Habush House, he and his family provided a lasting resource for individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring dignity, independence, and community for generations.
“Bob Habush represents a lifetime of quiet generosity, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Jewish community,” said Miryam Rosenzweig, President and CEO of Milwaukee Jewish Federation. “His impact will endure for generations.”
Judge Derek C. Mosley has dedicated his career to advancing justice, equity, and civic engagement. A graduate of Marquette University Law School, he began his public service as an Assistant District Attorney, where he not only prosecuted cases but also pioneered a community prosecution model that brought legal resources directly to Milwaukee neighborhoods. Appointed to the Milwaukee Municipal Court in 2002, Judge Mosley became Wisconsin’s youngest African American judge. Over more than two decades on the bench, including ten years as Chief Judge, he earned a reputation for fairness, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity.
Today, as Director of the Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education at Marquette University Law School, Judge Mosley continues to build bridges across communities. Through public forums, civic dialogue, and educational programs, he brings together people from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful conversations about the most pressing issues facing Milwaukee and Wisconsin. His deep engagement with the Jewish community, along with his nationally recognized work on social justice and unconscious bias, reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, understanding, and a more just society.
“Judge Mosley exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose,” said Rosenzweig. “His ability to bring people together and elevate every voice captures the spirit of this award.”
Together, these honorees represent the very best of Milwaukee. They are leaders who have dedicated their lives to uplifting others, building bridges, and strengthening the institutions that sustain community life. Their work reflects the core values that defined Herb Kohl’s legacy and continue to inspire future generations.
Herb Kohl Philanthropies and Milwaukee Jewish Federation congratulate both honorees and celebrate their remarkable contributions. Their leadership reminds us of the power of service, the importance of community, and the enduring impact of those who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place.
The award will be presented at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation Economic Forum on June 2, 2026, held at The Pfister Hotel. Learn more about the event, including sponsorship opportunities, at MilwaukeeJewish.org/EconomicForum. Read more about the award at MilwaukeeJewish.org/herb-kohl-service-award.
