Eight immigrants from English-speaking countries who have made significant contributions to Israel in fields ranging from medical research to diplomacy and community service have been named recipients of the 2026 Sylvan Adams Nefesh B'Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize.
Now in its 12th year, the award recognizes olim — Jews who have immigrated to Israel — whose work has had a lasting impact on Israeli society and, in some cases, far beyond its borders.
WATCH LIVE: The 12th annual Bonei Zion Prize ceremony
This year's recipients include a scientist behind a groundbreaking Alzheimer's treatment, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington, an influential Jewish educator and leaders working to improve the lives of people with disabilities, promote athletics and support Israeli communities.
The winners were selected from hundreds of nominees originally from countries including the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
From groundbreaking medicine to high-stakes diplomacy
Among this year's most prominent honorees is Prof. Marta Weinstock-Rosin, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to medical research.
A pioneering neuropharmacologist, Weinstock-Rosin helped develop Exelon, a medication used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Her decades of research have contributed to advances in neuroscience and the treatment of neurological disorders.
Ron Dermer, Israel's former ambassador to the United States and former minister of strategic affairs, will receive the Special Recognition Award.
Dermer, a U.S.-born immigrant who became one of Israel's most influential diplomatic figures, played a major role in shaping relations between Jerusalem and Washington. He was also closely involved in advancing the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-brokered agreements that normalized Israel's relations with several Arab countries beginning in 2020.
Recognizing those making a difference on the ground
Beyond the high-profile recipients, the awards highlight immigrants whose work has influenced everyday life in Israel.
Eight immigrants from English-speaking countries who have made significant contributions to Israel have been named recipients of the 2026 Sylvan Adams Nefesh B'Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize
(Photo: Yossi Zwecker; Avi Ohayon, GPO)
Naomi Stuchiner, founder of Beit Issie Shapiro, will be honored in the Community and Nonprofit category. Her organization has become a leading force in improving services, promoting inclusion and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
In Science and Medicine, Dr. Philip Klipstein, senior principal scientist at SemiConductor Devices Ltd., will be recognized for his work in advanced semiconductor technology.
The Education Prize will go to Rabbanit Chana Henkin, founder and chancellor of Nishmat, an institution that has helped expand opportunities for women's advanced Torah study and religious leadership.
Ami Baran, head of the Israel Athletics Association, will receive the Culture, Art and Sports Prize for his contributions to Israeli athletics.
In the Global Impact category, Danielle Abraham, co-founder and executive director of Volcani International Partnerships and ReGrow Israel, will be honored for her efforts to strengthen agriculture and support communities through development and recovery initiatives.
The Young Leadership Prize will go to Barak Swarttz, a content creator and founder of GRIT for Good, recognizing his work in social initiatives and community engagement.
The role of immigration in shaping Israel
The Bonei Zion Prize, whose Hebrew name means "Builders of Zion," is organized by Nefesh B'Nefesh, a nonprofit founded in 2002 to help Jews from North America immigrate to Israel and establish their lives in the country.
According to the organization, it has assisted nearly 100,000 North American immigrants, with approximately 90% remaining in Israel.
Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, the organization's co-founder and executive director, said the recipients reflect the wide-ranging influence immigrants have had on the country.
"Each of this year's recipients exemplifies the values of dedication, innovation and Zionism," Fass said, describing them as examples of the strength that immigration continues to bring to Israel.
The prize is sponsored by Canadian-born philanthropist Sylvan Adams, who immigrated to Israel about a decade ago and serves as president of the World Jewish Congress Israel Region.
Adams has been a prominent advocate for encouraging Jewish immigration to Israel, including an ambitious vision of bringing an additional 1 million immigrants to the country.
He said the achievements of this year's honorees carry particular significance following the challenges Israel and Jewish communities worldwide have faced in recent years.
"Each year, the Bonei Zion Prize reminds us of one of Israel's greatest strengths: the extraordinary people who choose to build their lives here and, in doing so, help build the future of the Jewish state," Adams said.
The awards span eight categories, reflecting contributions in science, education, community service, sports, international engagement and public leadership.
While the recipients come from different backgrounds and generations, their stories share a common thread: the decision to make Israel their home and use their expertise to help shape its future.
In partnership with Nefesh B’Nefesh