Eight immigrants from English-speaking countries were honored Sunday evening at the 12th annual Nefesh B'Nefesh Sylvan Adams Bonei Zion Prize ceremony in Jerusalem, including former Israeli ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer and pharmacologist Marta Weinstock-Rosin, who developed the Alzheimer's drug Exelon.
The ceremony, held at the Jerusalem Theater on Yom HaAliyah, Israel's national day recognizing immigration to the country, honored recipients for their contributions to Israeli society in fields ranging from medicine and education to sports and community work.
Dermer, who also served as Israel's minister of strategic affairs, received the Special Recognition Award for his diplomatic and public service career. Prof. Weinstock-Rosin received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her research in pharmacology and neuroscience, including her role in developing Exelon, a medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease.
Six other recipients were recognized in individual categories. Naomi Stuchiner, founder of Beit Issie Shapiro, received the Community and Non-Profit Award, while Dr. Philip Klipstein, a senior research scientist at SCD, was honored in Science and Medicine. Rabbanit Chana Henkin, founder and chancellor of Nishmat, received the Education Award.
Ami Baran, president of the Israel Athletics Association and CEO of the Israel Softball Association, received the Culture, Arts and Sports Award. Danielle Abraham, executive director of ReGrow Israel, was recognized in the Global Impact category, while YouTuber Barak Swarttz, founder of GRIT for Good, received the Young Leadership Award.
Ron Dermer and Sylvan Adams
(Photo: Sivan Shachor)
"Israel’s single greatest strength is its people. We are a nation of immigrants, some recent, others whose ancestors came to Israel decades ago. Each of us who chooses to build his or her life here is helping to build the nation itself," said philanthropist Sylvan Adams, who sponsors the awards and serves as president of the World Jewish Congress Israel.
"Aliyah is an act of conviction, a decision to invest your future in the future of the Jewish people," Adams added. "Their achievements are a powerful reminder that Aliyah is not just about coming home; it is about taking responsibility for what comes next."
Nefesh B'Nefesh co-founders Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart also addressed the recipients' contributions. "Olim have always been a driving force in strengthening the State of Israel, and this year’s honorees demonstrate the extraordinary scope of that contribution," they said.
"They are advancing science and medicine, bolstering communities and extending Israel’s impact around the world," the two added.
Bonei Zion Prize Ceremony
(Photo: Sivan Shachor)
The Bonei Zion Prize was established in 2013 to recognize immigrants from English-speaking countries whose work has contributed to Israeli society. According to Nefesh B'Nefesh, hundreds of candidates from countries including the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have been nominated for the awards. Recipients are selected by a committee across the various categories.
Adams, who immigrated to Israel about a decade ago, funds the annual awards. The ceremony was attended by recipients, their families, colleagues and community representatives.