Nefesh B’Nefesh prize to recognize Anglo immigrants to Israel

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Nefesh B’Nefesh launched an award to recognize immigrants to Israel from English-speaking countries.

The Bonei Zion Prize was established by the aliyah organization “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,” Nefesh B’Nefesh said in announcing the prize.

A panel of judges will award $10,000 prizes in five categories: science and medicine; education and non-profit; IDF (Israel Defense Forces) and national service; entrepreneurship and technology; and culture, sports and art.

Nominations for the prize will be accepted through Dec. 15.

“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,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, a Nefesh B’Nefesh co-founder and its executive director.

The panel of judges includes Lt.- Gen. (Ret.) Gabi Ashkenazi, former IDF chief of staff; Dr. David Breakstone, vice chairman of the World Zionist Organization; David Gerstein, a prominent painter and sculptor; Rabbi Berel Wein, founder and director of The Destiny Foundation; Yehuda Avner, an author and a former diplomat and prime ministerial adviser; and Barbara Goldstein, the deputy executive director of Hadassah, Israel.