Ukrainian immigrants among winners of Knesset Speaker’s Quality of Life Award 2025

Ukrainian repatriates, among other nominees, were honored with the Knesset Speaker’s Prize for Quality of Life 2025. The prestigious awards were presented for heroism and active civic engagement.

Knesset Speaker’s Prize for Quality of Life 2025: Heroism, Support, and Information

April 2, 2025, in Israel, the solemn ceremony for presenting the Knesset Speaker’s Prize for Quality of Life took place, where the following laureates were honored: Oz Davidan, Itamar Alus, Irena Maman, Elia Batito, Aryna Aminov, Association “Kav-Tarbut”, “Wives of Reservists” Forum, and Gadi Bashari. These heroic individuals were awarded for their exceptional contributions during the war, displaying heroism, support, and active civic positions.

Honorees for Heroism and Support for Israel

Oz Davidan

Oz Davidan — a lawyer and farmer who showed exceptional heroism by saving people during the war. In the midst of the fighting on October 7, 2023, at the “Nova” festival, when the terrorists’ attack began, Oz Davidan evacuated festival participants from the area under attack. He made 14 trips in his off-road vehicle, repeatedly returning to the dangerous zone to rescue people. In the process, he fought with terrorists and killed one of them. In total, Oz saved 120 people, but his feat was especially significant compared to that of his cousin Rami Davidan, who saved over 700 people from the same festival.

Itamar Alus

Itamar Alus — a police officer from Ofakim, who became a true hero on the day of the terrorists’ attack on October 7, 2023. When the terrorists started their attack, Itamar was the first to run into the street to protect civilians. Over the course of 20 hours he fought with terrorists, despite the danger to his life. During this time, he saved six people and narrowly escaped death multiple times. Itamar was awarded for his courageous and fearless defense of his city and people.

Irena Maman

We have already written about Irena Maman – “Irena Maman: how a seamstress — a repatriate from Ukraine became a hero to soldiers in northern Israel, despite shelling and financial hardships“

Irena Maman, a repatriate from Ukraine, became a symbol of heroism among women. When most of the residents of Kiryat Shmona evacuated due to the threat of shelling, Irena stayed, continuing her work as a seamstress. She sewed and adjusted military uniforms for Israeli soldiers under constant shelling. For over a year, she continued to sew for the army free of charge, supporting the soldiers and doing everything possible to help. Despite the shelling and the danger to her life, Irena did not leave the city, setting an example of courage and dedication to her work.

Elia Batito

Elia Batito — a resident of Afula, who organized a civil support center immediately after the start of the war in October 2023. Elia gathered a team of volunteers and bloggers who actively fought against anti-Israel propaganda online, spreading the truth about events in Israel. In particular, he focused on spreading truthful information in many languages, including Portuguese and Chinese. Thanks to his efforts, numerous blogs and posts on social media achieved massive information outreach, helping to counter fake news.

Aryna Aminov

Aryna Aminov, a repatriate from Ukraine, was honored for her active work in the information space. Since the beginning of the war in Israel, she organized a group of bloggers who fought against anti-Israel propaganda in Russian-speaking social media and spread the truth about events in Israel. Aryna actively covered events like the October 7 attack on her blog, and her audience grew day by day. Around 30 bloggers joined her, and together they achieved an audience reach of 30 million people monthly. Aryna became one of the most important voices in the fight against disinformation.

Association “Kav-Tarbut” (“Line of Culture”)

Association “Kav-Tarbut”, also known as the “Line of Culture”, unites over 4000 artists, performers, and musicians. In wartime, the association organized many cultural events that supported the morale of both soldiers and civilians. The association organized concerts, cultural events, and visited soldiers at bases, as well as wounded people in hospitals. These efforts became an invaluable contribution to maintaining the psychological stability of the population in difficult times.

“Wives of Reservists” Forum

“Wives of Reservists” Forum — is an organization that provides support to the families of Israeli reservists, including the wives and husbands of those serving in the reserves. During the difficult times of the war, the forum actively helped families maintain morale, organized meetings, and provided emotional support. The forum became a symbol of strength and mutual assistance, strengthening morale among Israelis going through tough times.

Gadi Bashari

Gadi Bashari — a person who worked with troubled children before the war and helped them with their social adaptation. After October 7, 2023, he did not stay aside and organized a project to distribute sweets to soldiers, which was called “Matok Ba-Lev” (Sweetness in the Heart). Initially, his project was modest and involved handing out candy and cookies at a station in Petah Tikva, but later it became more extensive, helping the wounded and supporting soldiers. This project became a symbol of support and care in the most difficult conditions.

Repatriates from Ukraine: Significant Contribution to Society

Repatriates from Ukraine play an important role in Israel’s life, especially in recent years when the country has faced serious challenges. The Ukrainian community in Israel actively participates in public life, contributing to various areas — from information work to volunteering and cultural support. Many of these repatriates have shown their civic position in the most difficult moments, supporting not only Israel but also their families and loved ones back home.

Irena Maman, as one of these heroines, demonstrated courage and dedication to the cause. She became a symbol for other repatriates from Ukraine, who, despite all the difficulties, continue to actively participate in the life of Israel, supporting it in the midst of war.

Also, Aryna Aminov, who has been actively fighting propaganda in Russian-speaking social networks, proved how important the contribution of Ukrainian repatriates is in the battle for truth and information dissemination. Her work had a significant impact on shaping public opinion, helping Israel stay on the side of truth in the information battle.

The Importance of Laureates for Society

Among the laureates of 2025 are heroic individuals who embody the strength of Israel in the most challenging times. Repatriates from Ukraine, as well as other laureates, proved that even in times of war, humanity can be preserved, and one can act for the benefit of society.

NAnews emphasizes the importance of such heroes for strengthening Israel and the connection between the Jewish and Ukrainian people. These individuals are true examples of courage, dedication, and patriotism, inspiring all of us toward a better future.

Knesset Speaker’s Prize for Quality of Life

Knesset Speaker’s Prize for Quality of Life (Hebrew: פרס יושב-ראש הכנסת לאיכות החיים) — is an annual award given to residents of Israel whose actions and achievements in various fields of life contribute to improving the quality of life in the country. The prize was established in 1983 and is awarded for achievements in areas such as civic engagement, arts, education, volunteering, environmental improvement, supporting social cohesion, and others.

Since its establishment, the prize has become a symbol of recognition for the contributions of Israeli citizens who play a role in the development of society, especially in difficult times. In 2025, the prize was dedicated to those who supported the national spirit and strengthened civil morality during the war, including those who demonstrated heroism and actively participated in the information fight.

Each laureate of the prize receives a certificate of honor and a cash award of 25,000 shekels. The prize is awarded in various categories, including heroism, civic engagement, support for cultural and social initiatives, as well as explanatory work in the media.

Knesset Speaker’s Prize for Quality of Life — is an important event for all of Israel, confirming the significance of individual efforts in strengthening and prospering the country.

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