Beny Steinmetz, one of Israel’s biggest entrepreneurs and philanthropists, has been awarded a humanitarian prize for his work related to medical programs for the underprivileged.
The presentation took place in January at a medical conference in Israel organized by LeMaanchem, a nonprofit that provides free medical advice and counseling to people in need.
Steinmetz, who works with the charity through the Agnes & Beny Steinmetz Foundation, serves as chairman of the LeMaanchem Friends Association. “Beny Steinmetz is a truly special person, and I want to thank him and everyone who volunteers to help our organization,” said LeMaanchem president Professor Joseph Press, M.D., at the event.
In a speech after receiving the award, Steinmetz stated: “I see here today that the LeMaanchem organization has truly positioned its aim, which is to give reliable and thorough medical advice, at the heart of everything it does. I invite you to join me in recognition of the singular spirit of volunteering that beats in their hearts, the way they provide access to information to whoever needs it, the support they offer in accompanying patients and their families during the most challenging times, and through that, create a connection between worlds.”
“I am so grateful for all the work you do,” he added.
Steinmetz runs his foundation—one of the biggest charities in Israel—together with his wife, Agnes. It operates in the areas of early-childhood education; young people at risk; health and well-being; and the arts, including a large donation to the construction of a new wing at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
The foundation is currently marking 15 years in operation. During that time, it has provided more than $3.5 million in funding for scholarships at Israel’s Netanya Academic College, which has awarded Steinmetz an honorary doctorate.
The conference explored ways to boost medical advances and innovation up to the year 2040, including the development of proton therapy for various cancers.
A leading researcher in the field and co-inventor of the technology, Professor Dr. Eugen Hug served as the keynote speaker and said he hoped that proton therapy would become available to more medical centers around Israel.
LeMaanchem, set up by Rabbi Yossi Ehrblich and based in the city of Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv, offers its free medical consultation service to people of any race, religion or gender.
