Hanan Ben Ari, one of Israel’s leading musicians, was presented with the Jerusalem Award by the Friends of Zion Heritage Center (FOZ) on Sunday in recognition of his volunteer work with IDF soldiers and Holocaust survivors.
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The popular singer-songwriter was very touched by the gesture and stated: "Thank you for the award and the honor. It is very exciting to see the amazing activities taking place here at the Friends of Zion Heritage Center and Museum. The connection between the young generation and the survivors and the way you open your heart to the people in need enlightens the world. Keep up the good work."
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R-L: FOZ Director Adv. Nir Kimchi, Hanan Ben Ari and Friends of Zion Museum CEO Daniel Voiczek
(Photo: Yossi Zamir)
Ben Ari also gave a heartfelt performance for a group of dozens of Holocaust survivors and IDF soldiers from an elite unit at the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem.
For over 30 years, the Friends of Zion Museum, led by Dr. Mike Evans and his son Michael Evans, has been dedicated to assisting Holocaust survivors in Israel and worldwide. Through their ongoing work, funding, and support, they have positively impacted thousands of survivors. They have established a community center In Jerusalem with complimentary housing for survivors.
The Friends of Zion Heritage Center organizes various activities, holidays, and events for dozens of Holocaust survivors weekly. They facilitate bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies for those who were never given the opportunity to celebrate. Additionally, they have made significant humanitarian efforts in the past year, delivering over 3000 tons of essential supplies, including food, equipment and medicine, to support thousands of people in Ukraine and save numerous Holocaust survivors.
The Friends of Zion Heritage Center is not only a home for thousands of soldiers year-round but also organizes various activities for them. Established in 2015 by Dr. Mike Evans, a renowned author and Nobel Peace Prize nominee for his lifetime fight against antisemitism, the center serves as a Zionist platform combating antisemitism and BDS.
It aims to raise awareness of the historical support from non-Jewish friends of Israel. Their state-of-the-art Media Center hosts numerous events, activities, and press conferences aligned with the center's vision.