Eight English-speaking Olim have been named recipients of the 12th annual Sylvan Adams Nefesh B’Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize, which recognizes individuals whose professional achievements and community leadership have made a significant impact on Israeli society.
The award honors Olim whose work across fields including science, education, culture, public service and social innovation has contributed to strengthening the State of Israel.
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The eight recipients of theSylvan Adams Nefesh B’Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize
(Photo: Yossi Zwecker; Avi Ohayon, GPO)
Among this year’s recipients are Naomi Stuchiner, Founder of Beit Issie Shapiro, recognized in the field of Community & Non-Profit; Dr. Philip Klipstein, Senior Principal Scientist at SCD (SemiConductor Devices Ltd.), in Science & Medicine; Rabbanit Chana Henkin, Founder and Chancellor of Nishmat, in Education; Ami Baran, Head of the Israel Athletics Association, in Culture, Art & Sports; Danielle Abraham, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Volcani International Partnerships and ReGrow Israel, in Global Impact; and Barak Swarttz, Content Creator and Founder of GRIT for Good, in Young Leadership.
The Special Recognition Award will be presented to former Israeli Ambassador to the United States and former Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. The organizers cited his role in strengthening the U.S.–Israel alliance, advancing the Abraham Accords, and shaping Israeli foreign and security policy.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Prof. Marta Weinstock-Rosin, a neuropharmacologist and developer of the Alzheimer’s drug Exelon, in recognition of her contributions to global medical research and neuroscience.
“The Bonei Zion Prize continues to highlight the remarkable contributions Olim are making to Israeli society,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “Each of this year’s recipients exemplifies dedication, innovation and Zionism, and together they reflect the strength aliyah brings to the State of Israel.”
The Prize is sponsored by philanthropist Sylvan Adams, President of the World Jewish Congress Israel Region, who made aliyah from Canada and has been a major supporter of initiatives promoting immigration to Israel and showcasing Israeli achievement.
Adams said the award highlights “the extraordinary people who choose to build their lives here and help build the future of the Jewish state,” adding that their achievements reflect “the immeasurable contributions Olim continue to make to Israeli society and the Jewish people.”
Hundreds of Olim from English-speaking countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States have been nominated for this prize.
Recipients were selected by a committee across categories including Science & Medicine, Community & Non-Profit, Education, Global Impact, Culture, Art & Sports, Young Leadership, Special Recognition and Lifetime Achievement.
The organizers said the honorees reflect the diverse ways English-speaking Olim are helping shape Israel’s future.