As we approach Giving Tuesday, it is most appropriate to honour one who has given, and who continues to give, so much of his time and energy to help those in need.
Herzog Medical Centre’s Chairman of the Board, Mr. Shamai Keinan, was recently awarded the Israel Presidential Award for Volunteerism. At a special ceremony hosted by Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal at the President’s residence, Shamai was recognized for his decades of service in the capacity of Chairman of Herzog Hospital’s Board.
At a time when sadness and psychological trauma have seeped into Israel’s spirit, there is no more effective emotional balm than being surrounded by hundreds of volunteers representing a multitude of other volunteers giving of themselves to others.
The ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem last month bestowing the Presidential Award for Volunteerism (formerly the President’s Volunteer Prize) was such an occasion. The prize was established by Israel’s fourth president, Ephraim Katzir, and has been awarded to 12 people each year since 1974. This time, the number of recipients – individuals and nonprofit organizations – was expanded to 19 because of the outpouring of assistance provided by ordinary citizens to others when the government froze after October 7.
Left to right: First Lady Michal Herzog — Shamai Keinan — President Isaac Herzog.
The award is given by Israel’s President, with the hope of fostering volunteerism for the benefit of individuals, communities, and the whole of Israeli society. It is granted in cooperation with the National Council for Volunteerism in Israel, saluting young and old people, secular and religious citizens, and Jews, Muslims, Druze, Christians, and others in Israel.
The honourees were divided into two categories – organizations and individuals. Shamai was an individual recipient, and, as stated in The Jerusalem Post:
Shamai’s splendid achievement is one of great pride for Herzog Hospital, and for us, its Canadian Friends.
Our most sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Shamai on this magnificent honour! He is an example for all of us to follow.
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