Seventeen awards of recognition will be presented by the Israel Zionist Council to individuals, organizations and civic initiatives that worked over the past year to strengthen Israeli society, national resilience and the spirit of mutual responsibility, during a festive ceremony to be held at Bar-Ilan University.
The Israel Zionist Council, part of the World Zionist Organization, announced the recipients of the 2026 “Heroes of Israeli Society” award, selected by a special public committee headed by Israel Zionist Council CEO Yigal Brand. Serving alongside Brand on the committee were Dr. Yocheved Pinhasi-Adiv, former Knesset member Shuli Mualem, Hevel Yavne Regional Council head Avi Fox, Israel Zionist Council chairman Oz Malka, KKL-JNF Education Division head Sar Shalom-Gerbi and attorney Liron Yehezkel.
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Yigal Brand, CEO of the Israel Zionist Council
(Photo: Courtesy of the Israel Zionist Council)
This marks the third year the Israel Zionist Council has presented the awards, which honor citizens, public figures, organizations and social initiatives that stood out for their work on behalf of the State of Israel and Israeli society during a complex and challenging period.
2026 Heroes of Israeli Society
In the category of steadfast support for Israel, Mike Huckabee received the award for his consistent support for the State of Israel on the international stage, his firm backing of the Jewish people and his efforts to strengthen Israel’s standing worldwide.
In the category of responsible journalism during wartime, Kalman Libeskind was recognized for value-driven and responsible journalism during the fighting, alongside his contribution to strengthening social resilience and promoting unifying discourse in Israel.
In the category of Jewish-Israeli pride, Ahavat Hashem and Ruach Hashem Gordon, gold medalists in Muay Thai boxing, were honored for their work strengthening Jewish identity and Israeli pride in Israel and abroad. Alongside their athletic achievements, the two promote messages of faith, unity and strengthening the spirit of the people, serving as an inspiration to many young Israelis.
In the category of female heroism on the battlefield, Or Ben Yehuda was recognized for groundbreaking combat leadership, exceptional courage and inspiring female leadership, alongside her significant contribution to state security and advancing the status of women in combat service.
In the category of settlement activity, Ilanit Dadosh Kalfon and Eliav and Sarah Libby were honored for their efforts to strengthen settlement, agriculture and connection to the land, alongside broad educational and community work.
Ilanit Dadosh Kalfon has worked for years to strengthen settlement and community life in northern Israel and the periphery out of a deep Zionist sense of mission.
Eliav and Sarah Libby have served as pioneering figures in the field of agricultural farms in Judea and Samaria, driven by a deep connection to the land and settlement values while coping with the personal hardship of bereavement.
In the category of community volunteering, Tekle Makonnen, Hatem Fares and Joseph Project were recognized for exceptional social and volunteer work advancing opportunities, strengthening communities and assisting diverse populations across the country.
Tekle Makonnen has worked for years on behalf of young people from the Ethiopian community to promote equal opportunity, social leadership and integration into Israeli society.
Hattam Fares leads extensive social initiatives aimed at strengthening shared society, advancing the Druze community and deepening the sense of partnership and mutual responsibility in Israel.
Joseph Project is a large-scale humanitarian initiative that collects and distributes equipment and aid to those in need across the country, including the elderly, immigrants, lone soldiers, struggling families and emergency victims, alongside assistance to hospitals and medical institutions and preparedness for national emergencies.
In the category of civic resilience and community rehabilitation, former minister Amir Peretz, Orit Mark Ettinger and Alon Davidi were recognized for their contributions to strengthening national resilience, supporting communities during emergencies and leading rehabilitation and recovery efforts.
Peretz was honored for his combined contribution to national security and society. His efforts to advance the Iron Dome system helped save lives and strengthen the home front, while he also works to promote equality and empowerment through his social activities. His decades of work reflect leadership, national responsibility and mutual responsibility.
Orit Mark Ettinger was recognized for the inner strength and social activism she leads despite profound personal loss. After losing her father in a terror attack and two brothers in tragic circumstances, she chose to strengthen others through the establishment of the Or Michael association, which brings joy to patients in hospitals across Israel. Through her lectures, she also inspires hope, resilience and strength.
Davidi was honored for his leadership during emergency and recovery efforts. As mayor of Sderot, he led the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents with close personal guidance and attention to detail, later working decisively to restore normal life and reopen the city. He also promoted rehabilitation efforts and supported additional local authorities, reflecting leadership, responsibility and mutual solidarity.
In the category of national assistance, Kyle Blank and the organization Israel Friends, along with Haim Taib and the Menomadin Foundation, were recognized for extensive activity on behalf of the State of Israel and IDF soldiers since the start of the war.
Kyle Blank and Israel Friends operated on an unprecedented scale for IDF soldiers through the mobilization of equipment, logistical aid and support for combat forces.
Haim Taib and the Menomadin Foundation led broad civilian assistance efforts, support for communities and strengthening social and national support systems during the war.
In the category of fighting spirit and striving for victory, Oz Davidian and Ohad Fodor were honored for displays of leadership, courage and exceptional dedication in their service and activities for state security during the war.
Davidian became a symbol of civilian heroism after risking his life under fire to save others during the October 7 attack through extraordinary resourcefulness and courage.
Fodor stood out for the fighting spirit, sense of mission and determination he demonstrated throughout the war, making a significant contribution to strengthening the morale of fighters and Israeli society.
In the category of bridging divisions in Israeli society, Yossi Levi, a reserve lieutenant colonel and CEO of the Netzah Yehuda association, was recognized for years of work integrating ultra-Orthodox Israelis into meaningful IDF service and broader Israeli society, drawing on his personal experience as a fighter and commander in Haredi military service tracks.
Yigal Brand, CEO of the Israel Zionist Council, said: “At a time when Israeli society is facing complex challenges, there are people and organizations who choose to rise and act out of a sense of mission, mutual responsibility and faith in the path forward. The recipients of the Heroes of Israeli Society award represent the beautiful face of Israeli society, the spirit of volunteering, resilience and unity that continue to move us all forward.”