Israeli President Isaac Herzog presented awards for the Jerusalem Unity Prize 2024 in a special ceremony at his official residence in the capital on Sunday.
Due to the ongoing war, this year’s theme is “Caring for One Another.” The five categories are: Strengthening the South, Strengthening the North, Strengthening the Home Front, Reservists and the Diaspora.
The award for work in “Strengthening the South” went to Aharai, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop young leaders, particularly from marginalized communities in Israel’s periphery.
The award for work in the category “Strengthening the North” was presented to Kerem-El Druze Pre-Military Academy, which works to develop young leaders in Israeli society.
The award for work in the category of “Strengthening the Home Front” was presented to the Yedidim Organization, which provides “non-medical first response” for distressed citizens, on the road and at home.
The award for work in the category of “Reservists” was presented to Heroes for Life (Lochamim LeLo Gvulot), an Israeli nonprofit that helps discharged soldiers find volunteering opportunities in developing countries.
The award for work in the category of Diaspora affairs was presented to Partnership2Gether Global Network, which works to strengthen Jewish communities in Israel and in the Diaspora.
In addition, two Awards of Recognition were given to the Menomadin Foundation for its work to promote social resilience in education, welfare and community, and to Israeli singer Omer Adam for his outstanding work to strengthen the morale of Israeli forces.
“We stand in the midst of a significant Israeli and Jewish moment,” said Herzog. “Facing a murderous enemy who thought Israeli society was fragmented and decided to rise up and kill us, Israeli society responded with a clear and decisive call: ‘Together we will win'—and only together,” he added.
“The people of Israel do not regard this statement as merely a catchphrase, a billboard slogan, or a car sticker—but as a binding historical truism that brought hundreds of thousands of Israelis out of their homes. It brought out soldiers who were not even called to service, it brought out volunteers to the field, it brought out the very best in so many in Israel,” he said.
The president also praised the Israeli public’s response to the rescue of four hostages in Gaza on Saturday.
“The outpouring of emotions and tears of joy we saw yesterday, across the entire nation and country proves beyond a doubt: Israeli society is not indifferent, Israeli society does not forget, Israeli society is wholly committed to bringing our sons and daughters back home,” he said.
