Thirteen12th grade youths received certificates of excellence for significant work for the community, based on personal commitment and value-based choices.
On Wednesday, May 28th, the municipal ceremony to honor youth who excel in social involvement was held in the Einan Hall, in memory of the late Yaffa Tzedekiyahu, an educator at heart, and former director of the Jerusalem District Society and Youth Administration of the Ministry of Education.
The ceremony was held at the initiative of the Society, Youth and Young People Division in the municipality, with the participation of families, educators, representatives of associations, heads of the city's education system, and many guests.
At the center of the ceremony were 13 teenage boys and girls, 12th grade students, who received certificates of excellence and recognition for their ongoing and significant work as part of the "Personal Development and Social Engagement" program, which is designed to encourage students to act for the benefit of society and the community, out of personal commitment and value-based choices.
This year, the Mayor's Shield was received by Adi Zilberberg Bennett, a student at Yeshiva Amit, for his extensive volunteering in many organizations and initiatives: "Knafaim shel Krembo," "Akim," the "Little Heroes" association, a personal mentoring project, volunteer organizations, and leading social initiatives within the school. Adi was honoured as someone who embodies in his daily work a spirit of young leadership, social sensitivity, and action out of a mission.
In addition, 12 additional girls and teenagers were also recognized, each of whom stood out in a unique way.
Adi Moshe, a student at Ironi Bet High School, dedicated her time to active service on the school and municipal student councils
Lotem Dror, a student at Ironi Hey High School, volunteered during the year at "Akim" and at the "Tzlilim" school, which works with children with special needs.
Tali Burstin, also from Ironi Hey High School, worked at the "Tzlilim" school and "Kanfaim Shel Krembo" - a rare combination of sensitivity, dedication and creating a personal connection.
Isaac Kasper, a student at Yeshiva Bnei Akiva Lapid, contributed as part of the "Ezra" movement and the "Tzitzit for Tzahal" initiative, which promotes identity, values and contribution to the community.
Yair Lahav, a student at Ironi Alef High School, combined activities in the Scouts with volunteer activities at "Beit Almog Shiloni", a center for adults with special needs.
Roni Yair, a student at Ironi Hey High School, volunteered throughout the year at the "Pesifas" school and in the "Savavta" project, which works to connect generations in the city.
Ofir Kara, a student at Mor High School, worked as a personal tutor, helping young men in need of emotional and social support, alongside regular volunteering at "Beit Akadem".
Adva Lieberman, a student at Midreshet Amit, dedicated her time to activities at MADA and the "Dancing with the Stars" initiative, which combines female empowerment through movement and community.
Levi Hadar, a student at Yahad High School, combined in-school initiatives with running a social cafe - an initiative to strengthen community belonging within the school.
Shahar Alfi, a student at Ort Ironi Daled High School, was a leading figure in her activities in the Scout Movement and the "Hamanei" group, which works with children with complex medical needs.
Avigail Green, a student at Ulpanat Orot, took part in "Garinei Udi" - a young leadership group - and in the municipal student and youth council.
Adi Rozvitz, a student at Amit Banot, stood out in her activity within the framework of Bnei Akiva and in "Punch Gvanim" - a youth space that works to promote equality, inclusion and connection between populations.
Mayor Haim Bibas: "Our youth prove again and again, and even more so in these complex times, that there is someone we can trust and that we have youth with values, who act with a sense of mission, leadership and responsibility. I am proud of each and every one of the volunteer youth who received an award tonight for their activities for the community. These youth are growing to be the leaders of tomorrow and already serve today as an example and role model for a broad heart of giving and an important part of a strong, high-quality and ethical community."
