Tel Aviv, April 2, 2025 – In a special event held Wednesday in Tel Aviv, the “Resilience Award for Children and Youth” was presented to young people aged 6 to 18 for their actions promoting resilience during the war. This first-of-its-kind initiative is led by the Mashabim Resource Center, The Jewish Agency’s Fund for the Victims of Terror Fund, and Keren Hayesod, in collaboration with the Libstein family. The award is dedicated to the memory of Ofir Libstein z”l, head of the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council, and his son Nitzan z”l, who were tragically killed defending their home on October 7.

26 children and youth from across the country, chosen from among many inspiring stories submitted by the public, will be honored for their efforts during the war. Half of them will receive the “Resilience Award” along with a personal scholarship, while the other half will receive special commendations for outstanding contributions. Additionally, three youth groups who worked together in an inspiring manner will also be recognized.

The winners were selected by a professional committee that included Vered Libstein, Ofir’s widow and Nitzan’s mother; Ayelet Nahmias Verbin, Chair of the Jewish Agency’s Fund for the Victims of Terror; Professor Mooli Lahad, Founder and President of the Mashabim Resource Center; Edna Weinstock-Gabay, CEO of Keren Hayesod; and Yoram Shliar, Chair of the Psychologists’ Union.

This initiative seeks to foster discussions of resilience and hope, to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary stories of the younger generation, and to emphasize their ability to recover and act for the benefit of society even during challenging times.

Ayelet Nahmias Verbin, Chair of The Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror: “The past year and a half has taught us all a great deal about loss and pain, but also about our tremendous personal and national resilience that allows us to rise, heal, and recover, as families, communities, and a nation. Unfortunately, many families and children have borne heavy burdens during the war. The recipients of the Resilience Award demonstrate that even in the face of immense pain, we can all grow and inspire hope. Together with the dedicated team at The Jewish Agency’s Fund for the Victims of Terror, we stand by these families not only in their darkest hours, but over time, ensuring personal, communal, and national recovery.”

Professor Mooli Lahad, Founder and President of the Mashabim Resource Center: “When darkness and fear enveloped us on October 7, sparks of hope emerged within Israeli society. Alongside adults who naturally stepped forward, we witnessed extraordinary courage and determination in children and youth—they inspire hope in all of us. For these children, Mashabim, which I founded 45 years ago in Kiryat Shmona, is proud to present the ‘Resilience Award for Children and Youth’ today. They stand as role models for personal and societal resilience. We believe resilience is a skill that can be nurtured and developed at any age and in any situation. The children and youth we honor today, recipients of the Resilience Award in memory of Nitzan and Ofir Libstein z”l, are living, inspiring proof of this belief.”

Edna Weinstock-Gabay, CEO of Keren Hayesod: “The personal stories of the children and youth selected to receive the Resilience Award are a powerful testament to the incredible strength within Israel’s younger generation, especially during these challenging days. Keren Hayesod sees tremendous value in supporting initiatives that promote resilience, hope, and solidarity in Israeli society. We are proud to be part of this exciting initiative dedicated to youth and commemorating Nitzan and Ofir Libstein z”l. This project highlights the values Keren Hayesod champions—generosity and mutual responsibility—which shine in Israeli society, particularly in difficult times.”

Vered Libstein: “The Resilience Award for Children and Youth is a tribute to the legacy of Ofir and our son Nitzan z”l. It emphasizes education, leadership, personal example, and, above all, resilience that flows from the individual to the broader community. Our recovery as a society and a nation rests on the shoulders of this young generation, whose actions, even at a young age, inspire admiration and appreciation.”

The award recipients will receive their honors at a moving ceremony hosted by Eliana Tidhar, featuring an artistic performance by “The Next Star” participant Daniel Weiss. Weiss, a native of Kibbutz Be’eri, survived the horrors of October 7 but tragically lost his parents that day.

Among the winners is Gali Eilon (16, Kibbutz Or HaNer), who bravely guided soldiers under fire on October 7. Ben Carasso (10, Tel Aviv), known as “The Spokeskid of Israel,” advocates for Israeli children globally, while Rajwan Safadi (10, Majdal Shams) saved lives by warning friends of an incoming missile despite being injured. Marwan Jaber (16, Daliyat al-Karmel) reaches audiences worldwide with pro-Israel advocacy, and Harel Handin (11, Kfar Sirkin), living with cerebral palsy, leads efforts for hostage return. Yoav Rosenthal (16, Tel Aviv) founded “Youth for Hostages,” rallying teens through daily activism, while Hillel Hodaya Ben Abu (18, Efrat) swiftly organized logistics to aid soldiers on October 7. Ofek Lustgarten (12, Holon) has volunteered tirelessly for soldiers and the wounded, and Liad Shapira (14, Ramat Gan) fosters unity post-October 7 by connecting hostage families with diverse groups.

Other honorees include Noam George (18, Be’er Sheva) and Nir Atia (17, Ashkelon), co-founders of Hero of a Mother, a memorial project for fallen heroes. Omer Chomsky (16, Kibbutz Urim) became a pillar of support for displaced children, while Belin Belay (18, Safed), an Ethiopian immigrant, launched initiatives like HASAN to uplift her community. The “SACHI Jonathan Yechini” group (11–18, Moshav Yechini) honors Jonathan Hagbi z”l by distributing food during the war, and Youth Dormitory, Nofei HaBesor (18, Kibbutz Nofei HaBesor) ensured their displaced classmates could complete high school together.

Meanwhile, those who received commendations included Bar Dekel Hen (8, Kibbutz Nir Oz) endured October 7 in a secure room while her father was abducted, coping with trauma in an inspiring way. Harel Dabush Nisim (10, Zitan) raises awareness about the hostages, including his cousin, Rom Breslavsky. Shoham Sabaghi (13, Moshav Patish) opened his home to Nova festival survivors and helped register evacuees. Ariel Avichazer (17.5, Be’er Sheva) provides free haircuts to soldiers, offering them moments of normalcy. Liad Golan (18, Ofakim) shares the heroism of his city with visiting delegations, promoting resilience. Tomer Rosenthal (15, Tel Aviv) and Barry Stein (14, Tel Aviv) are key activists advocating for hostage return, organizing school initiatives and engaging lawmakers.

Others recognized include Avigail Abu (16, Be’er Sheva), who established a command center supporting 150 wives of deployed soldiers, and Yaara Medan (17, Tel Aviv), who aided Nahal Oz families despite personal hardships. Adiel Levinson (14, Jerusalem) volunteers at refreshment stations for soldiers, and Liam Sanpiri Ben Ami (10, Shoham) launched Dreams Create Reality, bringing hope through drawings. Maor Sharoni (10.5, Sde Warburg), despite personal loss, volunteers with Birthday Fairies to bring joy to others. Ora Sarosi (18, Sderot) founded Youth Torah, an educational framework supporting teens during the war. Finally, the Lev Ofir Choir (8–15, Ibim Absorption Center), named after Ofir Libstein z”l, continued performing despite evacuation, providing stability and strength to fellow immigrants. Each honoree has shown remarkable courage, compassion, and dedication to their communities.

Media Contact:
Jake Sharfman, JCubed Communications
Jake@JCubedPR.com

About The Jewish Agency for Israel:

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. Today, The Jewish Agency acts collectively to strengthen Israel and the Jewish people worldwide—by advancing Aliyah as a core value, deepening connections between our global Jewish family, supporting the resilience and security of global Jewish communities, and encouraging every Jewish person to engage with Israel. The Jewish Agency also continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address the Jewish people’s greatest challenges and respond to emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.