Israel Prize for exceptional contribution awarded to social groups

The 2008 Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement and Exceptional Contribution to the Nation will be awarded to women's groups and youth movements, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Wednesday.

Among the groups honored this year are The Jewish Agency, WIZO (Women's International Zionist Organization), Na'amat (Movement of Working Women & Volunteers), Emunah (National Religious Women's Organization), the Manufacturers Association of Israel, the Council of Youth Movements in Israel (CYMI), Ezer Mizion – the Israel Health Support Organization and the Perach Tutorial Project.

The Israel Prize committee said it chose to award the Jewish Agency "for its relentless work to help Jews immigrating to Israel from its inception to date."

WIZO, Na'amat and Emunah were awarded for "their efforts to push for gender equality and their fight for humane, social, cultural and educational issues, whilst focusing on women's core position in society and the need for equality between the sexes."

The committee further noted the women's groups' considerable efforts and achievement in making Israel one of the leading countries in affirming women's rights.

The Manufacturers Association of Israel will be honored for its contribution to local economy, as well as for its various contributions to society, its effort to strengthen the periphery communities and its efforts to integrate Israel in the process of globalization.

The Israel Prize will be given to the Council of Youth Movements for its efforts to raise social and moral awareness and a sense of commitment both for the individual and for society in cities, towns and the Arab sector.

The Perach Tutorial Project will be awarded for its work in the community; and as for Ezer Mizion – the association will be awarded for its contribution in forming the bone marrow donor database and for providing logistical assistance to hospitals.