The Israel Prize is the most important and prestigious prize of the State of Israel. It was initiated in 1953 by the then Minister of Education, Benzion Dinur, and has been bestowed continuously since then. Every year the judges’ committee submit to the Minister of Education their recommendations to give the prize in various fields of activity and creation in Israel. The winners are Israeli citizens – individuals, or in rare cases partners to achievement – who have evinced particular brilliance and excellence, breaking new ground in their field, or making a special contribution to Israeli society.
Prof. Mordechai Rotenberg – 2009
Mordechai Rotenberg, Wikipedia
During his years as a faculty member at the Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Prof. Rotenberg developed an original, creative and groundbreaking theoretical model, combining aspects of sociology, psychology and religion with welfare and social work. He received the Israel Prize for the development of this model, which is based on Jewish sources but also takes inspiration from cultural perceptions from East and West.
Prof. Abraham Doron – 2004
Prof. Doron received the Israel Prize in Social Work for laying the foundations for in-depth historical and comparative research in varied topics in social work and social policy in Israel. Thanks to his important research, his commitment to welfare, and his great involvement in the processes of shaping social policy, Prof. Doron won great international and local recognition. Prof. Doron passed on the immense knowledge he amassed in his studies to his many students, who continue in the footsteps of his research.
Prof. Jona Rosenfeld – 1998
Prof. Jona Rosenfeld is one of the pioneers and leaders of social work in Israel. He is an emeritus faculty member of the Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he served as dean in 1974-1979.