Nefesh B’Nefesh is inviting the public to submit nominations for its newly launched Bonei Zion Prize (www.boneizion.org.il). The awards aim to formally recognize outstanding Anglo Olim – veteran and recent – who encapsulate the spirit of modern-day Zionism by contributing in a significant way towards developing the State of Israel. A prestigious panel of committee members will award $10,000 prizes in five categories; Science & Medicine, Education & Non-Profit, IDF & National Service, Entrepreneurship & Technology, and Culture, Sports & Art.
To be eligible for nomination, candidates must have made Aliyah from an English-speaking country (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, USA and Canada) and have made a significant impact on the State of Israel. The deadline for submitting nominations is Sunday, December 15th, 2013. Nomination forms are available for download at www.boneizion.nbn.org.il/nominate.
“Many English-speaking Olim are accomplishing remarkable things in Israel, and it is important to recognize these contributions,” said Co-Founder and Executive Director Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. “We believe that accentuating the achievements of Western Olim will be a catalyst to inspire others to make Aliyah and help make a difference to our young country.”
The winners will be selected by a committee of distinguished individuals who are accomplished in their fields and announced on Sunday, January 12th, 2014. An award ceremony will take place in Jerusalem in February.
The selection committee members include:
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Gabi Ashkenazi – Former Chief of Staff of the IDF
Colette Avital – Israeli diplomat and Former Minister of Knesset
Ambassador Yehuda Avner – Author and former diplomat and prime ministerial advisor.
Dr. David Breakstone – Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization
Michael Eisenberg – Partner at Aleph venture capital fund and General Partner at Benchmark Capital
Rabbi Paul Freedman – USIC Director Israel Strategic Partnerships, USCJ
David Gerstein – Internationally renowned painter and sculptor.
Barbara Goldstein – Deputy Executive Director of Hadassah, Israel
Vera Golovensky – Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the Executive Jewish Agency for Israel
Dr. Daniel Gordis – Senior Vice President of the Shalem Center
Professor Jonathan Halevy – Director General of Shaare Zedek Medical Center
David Horowitz – Founding editor of The Times of Israel
Russell Robinson – CEO of the Jewish National Fund (JNF)
Gabriella Shalev – Former Ambassador to the UN, and President of the Higher Academic Council and Dean of the Law School at Ono Academic College
Dr. Chaim Waxman – Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Jewish Studies at Rutgers University, Senior Fellow at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, and Research Fellow at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Harry S. Truman Institute for the Advancement of Peace.
Rabbi Berel Wein – Founder & director of The Destiny Foundation
About Nefesh B’Nefesh ( www.nbn.org.il):
Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh in cooperation with the Israeli government and The Jewish Agency for Israel, is dedicated to revitalizing Aliyah from North America and the UK by removing or minimizing the financial, professional, logistical and social obstacles of Aliyah. The support and comprehensive social services provided by Nefesh B’Nefesh to its 35,000 newcomers, has ensured that 97% of its Olim have remained in Israel.
