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In the Jewish-Israeli pride category, Muay Thai champions Ahavat Hashem and Ruach Gordon were awarded for strengthening identity and inspiring youth.
By Pesach Benson, TPS
Seventeen awards of recognition were presented on Wednesday evening by the Zionist Council in Israel at Bar-Ilan University, honoring individuals, organizations and civic initiatives that worked over the past year to strengthen Israeli society, national resilience and mutual responsibility.
“At a time when Israeli society is facing complex challenges, there are people and organizations who choose to stand up and act—out of a mission, mutual guarantee, and faith in the path,” said Zionist Council in Israel Director General Yigal Brand.
“The winners of the Israeli Society Heroes Award represent the beautiful face of Israeli society, the spirit of volunteerism, resilience, and unity that continue to lead us all forward.”
Among the recipients, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee was recognized for his consistent support for Israel on the international stage. Lt. Col. Or Ben-Yehuda was honored for groundbreaking female battlefield leadership and courage.
A major focus of the ceremony was the national assistance category, where Kyle Blank, CEO of Israel Friends, a nonprofit organization mobilizing support for Israeli soldiers through equipment, logistics, and operational assistance, was recognized for large-scale contributions to both combat readiness and mental health.
Alongside him, businessman and philanthropist Haim Taib and the Menomadin Foundation, a philanthropic organization active in social impact and resilience-building initiatives, were also honored for their broader civilian contributions during wartime.
Founded in the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, Israel Friends mobilized within 24 hours, bringing together entrepreneurs, logistics experts, and global partners to deliver critical supplies. The organization has since expanded its activities to include battlefield technology and mental health programs.
“I sat next to true heroes of Israel, fellow recipients of this prestigious award, and I was in awe of their self-sacrifice,” Blank told The Press Service of Israel. “Sitting beside me were individuals who chose to run into the fire when human instinct tells you to run and hide.”
In the media category, journalist and commentator Kalman Libeskind was recognized for responsible journalism during wartime, promoting unity and resilience.
In the Jewish-Israeli pride category, Muay Thai champions Ahavat Hashem and Ruach Gordon were awarded for strengthening identity and inspiring youth.
Ilanit Dadosh Kalfon and Eliav and Sarah Libby were honored for strengthening communities in northern Israel and in Judea and Samaria through agriculture, education, and community work.
Community volunteering awards went to Tekla Makonnen, Hatem Fares, and the Yosef Project, recognized for broad social action assisting vulnerable populations, including lone soldiers, immigrants, and families in distress.
In the civic resilience and rehabilitation category, Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi, former defense minister Amir Peretz, and social activist Orit Mark Ettinger were honored for leadership during emergencies, recovery, and rebuilding efforts across communities impacted by war.
In the category recognizing acts of bravery, Oz Davidian and Ohad Fodor were recognized for civilian courage and leadership during the war, including saving lives under fire during the October 7, 2023 attack.
In the category of bridging societal gaps, Lt. Col. (res.) Yossi Levi, CEO of the Netzah Yehuda Association, an organization supporting the integration of Haredi (Orthodox) Israelis into military service and wider society, was honored for long-standing efforts in this field.
The Zionist Council in Israel is the Israel-based branch of the World Zionist Organization responsible for implementing Zionist educational and civic programs in Israel.
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