Among the winners of the Minister of Defense Shield Award: A yeshiva in Shomron
The “Birkat Yosef” Hesder yeshiva in Alon More has been named a recipient of the 2026 Minister of Defense Shield Award. This honor recognizes employers, academic institutions, and local authorities for their significant and ongoing support of reservists and their families. Following a rigorous selection process from over 1,000 nominations, 99 finalists were chosen.
The “Birkat Yosef” Hesder yeshiva in Alon More has been selected as one of the winners of the 2026 Minister of Defense Shield Award. This award is granted to employers, academic institutions, and local authorities that demonstrate significant and consistent commitment to the well-being of reservists and their families.
The award committee has finalized its selection of the organizations to be honored. The award aims to highlight entities that view reservists as a national asset and work throughout the year to provide them with flexible, supportive work and study environments.
Key evaluation criteria included the scope of assistance provided to reservists, flexibility in employment and academic requirements, welfare initiatives, support during extended service, and organizational policies that strengthen the reserve array.
Over 1,000 nominations submitted
Following an open call for nominations this year, more than 1,000 recommendations were received from reservists and their families. After a professional screening process, 99 finalists were brought before the committee for final review, including 76 employers, 13 academic institutions, and 10 local authorities.
The committee was chaired by Eyal Hanes, head of the Department for Discharged Soldiers and Reservists at the Ministry of Defense, alongside Chief Reservist Officer, Brigadier General (Ret.) Beni Ben Ari. The selection process involved verifying testimonies and professional data.
Representatives from government ministries, the defense establishment, the business sector, and academia participated in the review process, ensuring that decisions were based on in-depth professional analysis.
The winning organizations
In addition to the “Birkat Yosef” yeshiva, the award was granted to Amdocs, Bezeq, the Israel Electric Corporation, Direct Insurance, KONE, Applied Materials, JFrog, Netivei Ayalon, the “Acharai!” association, the Company for the Development of Caesarea, Yaron Ofir Engineers Ltd., Cardiovalve, and Autobrains Technologies Ltd.
Other winners include the municipalities of Mevaseret Zion and Ashdod, the Nachal Sorek Regional Council, and the Lehavim Local Council. In the academic sector, recipients include Reichman University, Ono Academic College, the Technological College of Engineers in Ariel, and SCE — the Sami Shamoon College of Engineering.
The 2026 Minister of Defense Shield Award ceremony is expected to take place later this year.
“The backbone of Israel’s security”
Minister of Defense Israel Katz stated:
“Reservists — both men and women — are the backbone of Israel’s security. Since October 7, they and their families have carried a heavy and prolonged burden, driven by a sense of mission and responsibility to the state. The Minister of Defense Shield Award expresses our appreciation not only for the reservists but also for the employers, academic institutions, and local authorities that choose to stand by them, show flexibility, and provide support on the home front.”
Katz added: “I congratulate all the winners and thank them for their commitment and personal example. Strengthening the reserve array is a national mission, and we will continue to ensure that those who enlist to defend the State of Israel know that the state and Israeli society stand firmly behind them.”
