Israeli luminaries receive Light of Israel award
Israel’s Foreign Ministry and Deputy Foreign Minister Idan Roll held a special ceremony in Jerusalem on Wednesday honouring a group of Israelis who “continue to share their light and Israel’s light with the world.”
Actor Lior Raz receives the award. (Shalev Shalom/TPS)
Coming from all walks of life, the honorees were acknowledged for “sharing the Israeli story in the world through their professional endeavours.”
This is the first year that the “Light of Israel” accolade was awarded.
The recipients of the award this year included actress Shira Haas, actor Tomer Kapon, Arab-Israeli social entrepreneur Yosef Haddad, musician Idan Raichel, Dr Dorit Nitzan of the World Health Organization (WHO), researcher Kira Radinsky, magician Lior Soshard, singer Neta Barzilai, Judoka Uri Sasson, actor Lior Raz, Paralympic rower Moran Samuel, basketball player Omri Caspi, Olympic gymnast Artium Dolgofiat, actress Moran Atias, social activist Ashgar Arro, NBA player Danny Abdia, chef Assaf Granit, and actress Noa Tishbi.
Moran Atias told TPS she was honoured “and felt very blessed” to receive the beautiful award for “telling Israel’s human story” for the past 20 years.
Roll said at the event that “studies show that getting to know one Israeli increases the chances of creating a sense of connection to Israel. The Israeli story has many faces and is far beyond the security aspect. And you manage to bring just that to the forefront of the stage, through creativity, flavours, excellence and innovation.”
TPS
