(Courtesy of Nefesh B’Nefesh) Atlantic City native Zo Flamenbaum was one of seven outstanding Olim (immigrants to Israel) from English-speaking countries who has been awarded the 2020 Sylvan Adams Nefesh B’Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize, recognizing Anglos who have made a major contribution to the State of Israel: www.boneizion.org.il.
Flamenbaum, awarded the Young Leadership Prize, is a social entrepreneur who is dedicated to facilitating human growth processes through creativity, intention and community. After making Aliyah, she was motivated by her own need for meaningful connection, deep conversation and supportive sisterhood. She founded School of Shine as a value-based educational platform for women on a mission to empower their voice; who are tired of the ‘default life’ and crave personal freedom through self-expression for more purposeful living.
Since opening in 2014, School of Shine has impacted thousands of women in Israel and beyond. SOS offers interactive workshops and playshops, online programs, mentorship matching, and wellness retreats. Together, the women of School of Shine are taking powerful, holistic, inspired action and shifting the paradigm of feminine leadership, empowering each other to rise, and of course, shine.
Other Bonei Zion honorees include: David Blatt, Former Basketball Coach, Maccabi Tel Aviv in the field of Culture, Art & Sports; Debbie Gross, Director of Tahel – Crisis Center for Religious Women and Children in the field of Community & Non-Profit; Ambassador Dore Gold, President of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs in the field of Global Impact Professor Deborah Rund, Retired Senior Hematologist and Director of Plasmapheresis Unit, Hadassah Medical Organization in the field of Science & Medicine; and Reuven (Bob) Asch, Former Chief Psychologist, Ministry of Education in the field of Education.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Avraham Infeld for his exemplary work throughout his life for Jewish education and assistance in helping individuals gain a better understanding of their personal Jewish identity through incredible organizations such as Melitz, Hillel and countless other influential organizations.
This year’s prizes, announced today, are sponsored by Sylvan Adams, a Nefesh B’Nefesh Oleh, real estate developer and philanthropist who is committed to developing the State of Israel. Sylvan is steadfast in his goal of showcasing the impact and achievement of Israel and Israelis to the world, viewing the Bonei Zion Prize as an integral piece of this mission.
“As we are all grappling with so much national and global turmoil, it feels especially meaningful to pause and recognize these incredible Olim surrounding Israel’s 72nd birthday,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Nefesh B’Nefesh Co-Founder and Executive Director. “The individuals receiving this year’s Bonei Zion Prize are shining examples of the impact one can have on an entire field of study and practice, and they give us great hope for the State of Israel. Celebrating these honorees is a reminder that the Zionist dream is thriving.”
Hundreds of Olim from English-speaking countries – including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, and USA – were nominated for the prize. The prize recognizes outstanding Anglo Olim who have helped Israel in a meaningful way by encapsulating the spirit of modern-day Zionism and contributing in significant ways towards the State of Israel. Recipients were chosen by a prestigious panel of committee members in the following categories: Science & Medicine; Community & Non-Profit; Education; Global Impact; Culture, Art & Sports and Young Leadership.
