Bonei Zion Prizes 2023–2024: Honoring Immigrants Building Israel’s Future
The Nefesh B’Nefesh organization presented the Bonei Zion Prizes, sponsored by Sylvan Adams, at a ceremony held at the Jerusalem Theater. This year’s event celebrated the laureates for both 2023 and 2024, as the ceremony could not be held last year due to the outbreak of war. The prizes, totaling 300,000 NIS, were awarded to 12 immigrants in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Israeli society in fields such as education, science and medicine, volunteerism, culture and arts, sports, and global impact.
Supported by Sylvan Adams, the prize underscores the importance of immigrants who do not merely settle in Israel but actively contribute to shaping and building the country’s future. Their influence extends beyond local borders, reflecting their pivotal role in advancing the State of Israel and exemplifying the spirit of modern Zionism, strengthening Israeli society and promoting its values on the global stage.
In the Science and Medicine category, the award was presented to Prof. (Emeritus) Carmi Z. Margalit, Director of the International School of Medicine at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Prof. Margalit was also a founding partner of the university’s Faculty of Health Sciences, served as Head of the Division of Community Health, and directed the Prives Center for Medical Education.
“I came to Beer-Sheva thanks to Moshe Prives, who saw me as fit to participate in establishing a medical school that would meet three goals: high-level teaching, an innovative curriculum integrating clinical studies, primary medicine, community health, and preventive medicine,” Prof. Margalit said. “I am deeply grateful and moved to receive this honor.”
[L-R] Tony Gelbart, Prof. Carmi Margalit, Sylvan Adams, Rabbi Yehoshua Fass | Photo: Shachar Azran
About Nefesh B’Nefesh
Nefesh B’Nefesh was founded in 2002 by Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and businessman Tony Gelbart with the aim of promoting Aliyah from North America in cooperation with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and JNF-USA. Over the past two decades, the organization has facilitated the immigration of more than 85,000 new immigrants to Israel, who contribute to the economy, culture, and demographics of the country. The organization works to remove professional, logistical, and financial obstacles during the immigration process and after arrival, while advocating for the unique needs of this population by streamlining bureaucratic barriers, promoting policy changes, and initiating legislative processes.
