This week, the Zusman-JDC Prize for 2024 — Israel’s leading award for social innovation and impact — was presented at JDC Israel’s headquarters in Jerusalem.
Now in its 23rd year, the prize was established by JDC and funded by the Zusman family, with the aim of encouraging excellence, entrepreneurship, and innovative social solutions throughout the country.
Each of the three winning initiatives received a $25,000 grant in recognition of their contribution to community resilience, social cohesion, and growth through adversity — reflecting JDC’s long-standing commitment to strengthening Israeli society.
A Healing Community: The Partners of Fallen IDF Soldiers
In the category of Innovative Social Initiatives for Personal and Community Rehabilitation, the award was given to The Partners of Fallen IDF Soldiers, a nonprofit that provides emotional support and guidance to bereaved spouses of IDF and security personnel.
The organization operates a broad community network of hundreds of veteran bereaved families who accompany and support newly bereaved spouses and families.
Together, they help one another cope with loss, process grief, and rebuild a sense of strength and belonging.
This unique model of community solidarity allows families facing bereavement to find renewed meaning and genuine support within a caring communal framework.
Growth Through Pain: 12 Stars from Majdal Shams
In the category of Innovative Social Initiatives Promoting Post-Traumatic Growth, the prize was awarded to 12 Stars, led by Hnedy Braik.
The organization was established following the devastating tragedy that struck Majdal Shams in July 2024, when a rocket attack claimed the lives of 12 members of the community.
The initiative is based on the principle of community leadership — with the local Druze community itself leading the healing process through educational, sports, and community activities.
12 Stars exemplifies how a community can transform trauma into a driving force for recovery, growth, and renewal.
A Trailblazer in Social Cohesion: Esther Salomon and Atida
In the category of Innovative Social Initiatives for Promoting Social Cohesion and Unity, the award was presented to Esther Salomon, founder of Atida, a nonprofit dedicated to integrating Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) women into meaningful roles in the Israel Defense Forces.
For over a decade, Atida has accompanied hundreds of young Haredi women in choosing suitable military service paths — with cultural sensitivity, professional guidance, and extensive fieldwork.
This year alone, more than 1,200 young women registered through Atida, reflecting the initiative’s broad impact and the deep social change it is fostering.
A Lasting Commitment to Social Excellence
The Zusman-JDC Prize has been awarded annually since 2003 by JDC Israel, in partnership with the Zusman family, to encourage social innovation and strengthen Israel’s social services.
The Zusman family, who have maintained a close connection with the State of Israel over the years, support a wide range of JDC’s social programs — including education, special needs, Haredi integration into the labor market, and the empowerment of Ethiopian-Israeli communities.
The prize reflects JDC’s enduring commitment to improving quality of life in Israel, advancing equality, and empowering communities across all sectors of society.
