Israeli Rehabilitation Model Wins 2026 Shimon Peres Prize in Berlin
The Israeli "Shekolot Tov" group received the 2026 Shimon Peres Prize in Berlin for integrating individuals with mental disabilities into the open labor market in Germany.
The international recognition of the Israeli rehabilitation model continues to grow as the "Shekolot Tov" group has been awarded the 2026 Shimon Peres Prize for Peace and Innovation. The honor acknowledges the organization's ongoing partnership with German professionals to advance community rehabilitation and integrate individuals facing mental disabilities into the open labor market.
The prestigious award was presented during a formal ceremony in Berlin by German Foreign Minister Dr. Johann Wadephul, alongside Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner and Prof. Tzvia Walden, the daughter of the late Israeli President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shimon Peres.
Marking its tenth anniversary, the Shimon Peres Prize has been awarded annually since 2017 by the Germany-Future Forum Foundation in cooperation with the German Foreign Ministry and the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation. The award commemorates the legacy of Shimon Peres and honors groundbreaking initiatives that deepen civilian ties between the two nations while promoting pluralism, democracy, and social innovation.
The prize committee commended the organization for bridging healthcare, welfare, and labor market systems to help individuals with mental disabilities secure optimal employment and maintain their positions in the workforce. The professional ties between "Shekolot Tov" and its German partners began in 2018, evolving through delegation exchanges, professional seminars, and joint training sessions.
This success led to a major institutional milestone when the Institute for Life Skills in Berlin (IFL) merged with the "Shekolot Tov" group, now serving as the development and implementation arm of the Israeli model in Germany. Based on a unique combination of training, practical fieldwork, and ongoing personal guidance, the initiative has successfully integrated over 300 individuals facing employment barriers in Germany into its programs.
Ofer Cohen, CEO of the "Shekolot Tov" group, emphasized the significance of this international recognition, stating that the award reinforces their commitment to ensuring that every individual deserves the opportunity to work, integrate into the community, and build an independent life.
