(haipo) – Award Ceremony "President's Award for Volunteerism" For the year 2026, it took place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in the shadow of a complex social reality, but also from the blossoming of an exciting Israeli volunteer spirit. President Yitzhak Herzog announced the winners, individuals, associations and organizations from all over the country, who worked to strengthen the human fabric, reduce gaps and connect communities. The winners were chosen for "A deep commitment to connecting sectors and communities and to meaningful action for social rehabilitation".

Among the winning organizations Lev Hash Association from Haifa, which has been working for years for the welfare of the community in the north and leads a long line of groundbreaking social projects.

Lev H.S.: 25 years of giving, compassion and community action

Association Lev H.S (The Heart of Haifa and its Neighborhoods) is one of the most significant non-profit organizations in Israel in the field of community welfare. The non-profit organization has been operating for over 25 years, and assists all segments of the population in Haifa and the north. The non-profit organization was established in 1997 in memory of Sarah Rauchberger and Eve Seybald, hence its name: Lev H.SThe founders of the association, Yehoshua and Yaakov, saw in their vision a local charitable organization that would help the underprivileged in the city. But over the years, the association has become a large-scale organization, operating in a variety of fields and providing assistance to tens of thousands of people every year. "Works to promote community well-being in Haifa and the northern region, social mobility and meeting the needs of diverse populations".

A network of life-saving, reality-changing projects

The association operates a wide range of community services, including:

• Social cafe at Rambam Hospital — A supportive space for patient families and medical teams.
• A motel for cancer patients — Accommodation and support for families accompanying family members in treatment.
• Mentoring and club for children and parents with cancer — Emotional and social support during a challenging time.
• Projects for the elderly — Home visits, food distribution, social activities and support centers.
• Community dental clinics — Services at accessible prices for disadvantaged populations.
• Community second-hand center — A social store that provides clothing and equipment at symbolic prices.
• Large-scale food distribution center — Permanent assistance to families in need.
  
  The scope of activity, diversity, and social impact have made Lev Hash one of the most significant bodies in the northern region.
  One of the core values ​​of Lev H'S is providing assistance to every person in need, regardless of religion, gender, origin or outlook. The association sees itself as a social bridge and emphasizes the values ​​of Giving, respect, equality, professionalism, and listening to the need.

The meaning of the win: recognition of profound community work

The President's Volunteer Award shines a spotlight on an exciting mosaic of individuals and organizations from across the country who work with dedication for Israeli society. The winners include professionals who have dedicated their lives to saving lives and helping war victims, youth working for social integration, community leaders who connect sectors, and large-scale nonprofits working for the elderly, sick children, lone soldiers, people with disabilities, bereaved families, and disadvantaged populations. The diverse list: including Jews, Arabs, Druze, secular and religious, reflects the Israeli spirit at its best: mutual responsibility, compassion, initiative, and the ability to turn pain into meaningful action.

The spirit of volunteerism and action

This year's letter conveys a clear message: Even in the most difficult moments, the spirit of Israeli volunteerism is the force that sustains society and allows it to move forward. Volunteering is not just an act of kindness, it is an expression of civic strength, national resilience, and a conscious choice to build a shared future. The winners demonstrate that every person, of any age and from any background, can make an impact and be part of a strengthening and unifying social fabric. It is a call to continue to act, to mobilize, to open our hearts, and to turn mutual responsibility from words into daily reality.