Eight English-Speaking Immigrants Honored with Bonei Zion Prize in Jerusalem

Eight English-speaking immigrants were honored on Monday evening with the Bonei Zion Prize during a ceremony held at the Jerusalem Theater. The award, presented by the Nefesh B'Nefesh organization, recognizes significant contributions to Israeli society across various fields, ranging from science to community development.

The event, held on Yom Aliyah, also featured a special recognition award presented to former Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. In his remarks, Dermer noted that his background as an American citizen who immigrated to Israel at age 25 allowed him to make a unique contribution to the country's diplomacy and strategy.

Several winners highlighted their activities following the outbreak of the war. Barak Schwartz, who won the Young Leadership Prize for founding the GRIT for Good association, shared that he recently shifted his focus from basketball coaching to advocacy. "I volunteered for military service of my own to share the truth," Schwartz explained, adding that basketball helped him reach audiences outside traditional circles.

Daniela Abraham, who heads an organization promoting Israeli agricultural expertise worldwide, received the award after launching an initiative to assist farmers in the Gaza envelope and the north. According to her, Israel has completed a full circle and is now required to rehabilitate agriculture to ensure the survival of communities in border areas.

A lifetime achievement award was presented to Prof. Marta Weinstock-Rosin, who developed the Exelon medication for the early treatment of Alzheimer's. Weinstock-Rosin, a survivor of Nazi persecution in Austria who immigrated from England, is currently involved in managing the Melabev organization for dementia support, which was founded by her late husband. The Community and Non-Profit Prize was awarded to Naomi Stuchiner, founder of the Beit Issie Shapiro organization, who described her emotion at receiving recognition even after 45 years of work.

Additional winners this year include Dr. Philip Klipstein, who won the Science and Medicine Prize; Rabbanit Chana Henkin, founder of Nishmat, in the Education category; and Athletics Association Chairman Ami Baran, who received the Culture and Sport Prize.

The Bonei Zion Prize initiative was founded over a decade ago and operates with the support of the World Jewish Congress President in Israel, Sylvan Adams. Adams, an immigrant from Los Angeles, described at the ceremony his decision to support the organization accompanying immigrants, explaining that the assistance he received at the beginning of his journey in the country inspired a need to give back to Israeli society.