Attorney Stuart Hershkowitz will receive the Yakir Yerushalayim “Worthy Citizen of Jerusalem” award, the highest honor bestowed by the Jerusalem Municipality, the city announced. Hershkowitz and 11 other recipients will receive the award on Jerusalem Day, May 25, 2025, during a special ceremony where they will be recognized for their significant and unique contributions to the city.
Hershkowitz, who serves as chairman of the board of the Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT), was honored for his role in developing the new Tal Campus for women. The $150 million initiative will provide state-of-the-art facilities for religious women pursuing careers in computer science or nursing.
The award also acknowledges his philanthropic work and community efforts on behalf of many Jerusalem institutions. This includes his role as president of O.U. Israel, chairman of Nishmat, chairman of Shagririm BaLev (a matchmaking platform for Modern Orthodox Jews that has over 350 shidduchim to its credit), board member of the Jerusalem Foundation, board member of World Mizrachi and board member of Netzach (an organization that educates Haredi youths in STEM education as well as Torah learning).
Hershkowitz describes his longstanding mission of helping build Jerusalem and the Jewish people and furthering religious Zionism in Israel. He also has been very active in integrating Haredim into the workforce and overall STEM education for them.
At JCT, the building of the new Tal Campus for Women will have a major impact on Jerusalem and on thousands of women who will enjoy the new 2.3-acre site. This will be a vast improvement over the existing rental facilities in an industrial area. The new campus will include the Helmsley Center for Life and Health Sciences and the Selma Jelinek School of Nursing, which will feature a cutting-edge simulation lab allowing nursing students to train in a realistic hospital environment. The campus will also house the Beren Center for Engineering and the Center for Business and Management Studies. Hershkowitz has labored on the Tal Campus project for almost 15 years, and construction is finally underway. To date, thousands of Tal graduates have entered the workforce and excelled as top engineers, health professionals and accountants.
Hershkowitz expressed his deep gratitude to all those who worked with him over the years and who allowed him the opportunity to help further develop the city of Jerusalem.
“The Tal Campus is the realization of my decades-long mission,” he said. “Being recognized for my contributions to the city of Jerusalem is an unparalleled honor. I doubt I could receive an award more meaningful to me than this one.”
Hershkowitz made aliyah from the United States after high school in 1974 and later returned to Israel with his family in 1990, is the only Yakir Yerushalayim prize recipient this year who is also an oleh, “immigrant.”
The recipients of the Yakir Yerushalayim award were selected by a public committee chaired by retired Judge David Cheshin, a former president of the Jerusalem District Court. First granted in 1967, the award is presented annually by the mayor of Jerusalem to individuals who have dedicated their time, energy and expertise to the city’s development and well-being.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion praised the honorees, stating: “The 12 outstanding individuals selected as Yakir Yerushalayim laureates represent the rich mosaic and pluralism of our city. These men and women are an inseparable part of Jerusalem’s heart and soul. Day after day, without expecting anything in return, they extend a helping hand and dedicate their time, energy and love to serve all residents, across all sectors.
“Their values symbolize generosity, unity and solidarity, illuminating the city with hope and compassion. They set an example of a respectful and dignified society, and their invaluable contributions over the years inspire us all,” he continued. “Together, we will continue to build a strong, beautiful, and united Jerusalem, where kindness and mutual support remain at the core of our lives.”
Other honorees include:
- Justice (Ret.) Elyakim Rubinstein for his roles as deputy president of the Supreme Court, Attorney General, Cabinet Secretary and more. The award also honors his contributions to Israel’s peace negotiations with Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinians, as well as his scholarly writings and lectures on Jerusalem’s significance in Jewish law and history.
- Ayla Tal-El for her work integrating deaf and hearing-impaired children into society through AV Israel, where she has led support programs, training initiatives and research efforts to improve inclusion.
- Itzik Kala for his contributions to Israeli and Mizrahi music, as well as his behind-the-scenes philanthropic efforts, including fundraising for various social causes.
- Deborah Mandelovitch for founding and managing Israel’s first community center for religious and ultra-Orthodox residents, serving for nearly 50 years.
- Yehuda Rahamim for his impact on Jerusalem’s construction and development, his philanthropic efforts to assist needy families, and his dedication to bridging societal divides within the city.
- Dr. Meir Ehrenfreund for his leadership in advancing high-tech industries in Jerusalem, developing Atarot’s industrial park and his contributions to Israeli heritage education through initiatives like Masa Israeli and the Orot Foundation.
- Michael Brazilai for his contributions to Jerusalem’s economy, industry and tourism, and his voluntarism in various public sectors.
- Dr. Saleh Jaber for his work as a senior physician treating thousands of patients and managing multiple medical centers. He is also recognized for teaching courses, publishing research and fostering unity within the city’s diverse communities.
- Rachel Dvir for her entrepreneurial achievements in establishing and managing multiple high-tech companies in Jerusalem, employing individuals from diverse backgrounds. The award also recognizes her pioneering work in integrating Haredi women into the tech industry.
- Professor Shalva Weil for her groundbreaking research on Jewish communities worldwide and their historical ties to Jerusalem. She has also played a significant role in absorbing Ethiopian immigrants, strengthening Israel-India relations and combating violence against women.
- Rabbi Avraham Gershon Bint for founding and managing educational institutions, including El HaMekorot and the Tomer Devorah Kollel, and for his volunteer work with Yad Sarah and Ezer Mizion.