Before Hundreds of Legislators, Yossi Dagan Receives Israel-U.S. Leadership Award

The largest legislative organization in the United States awarded its leadership prize to Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, citing his inspiration in advancing legislation recognizing Judea and Samaria. The reasons for the award were described as “courageous leadership, a connection between the states and support for the Land of the Bible.” Lawmakers said, “The goal is to pass the law in 20 states.”

A moving and historic tribute to the Samaria settlement took place when the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, the largest legislative organization in the United States, presented the prestigious “Israel-U.S. Leadership Award” to Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, as part of the organization’s 2026 National Policy Conference at Liberty University in Virginia. Hundreds of state legislators and senators from across the United States took part in the ceremony, coming especially to honor the Samaria Regional Council head and express unequivocal support for Israel and for settlement in Judea and Samaria. The conference was also attended by Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman Marlin Stutzman, and members of Congress John McGuire, Ben Cline and Morgan Griffith.

During the ceremony, the organization’s president and Yossi Dagan presented plaques of appreciation to three lawmakers, Mindy McAlindon, Chris Todd and David Livingston, representatives of the first states in the United States to pass the law in support of Judea and Samaria, Arkansas, Tennessee and Arizona. The law prohibits the use of the words “West Bank” in official state documents, allowing only the use of “Judea and Samaria,” and also recognizes the Jewish people’s right to the area. During the ceremony, the organization’s president announced that they would work to pass the law in 20 additional U.S. states.

NACL, led by founder and president Jason Rapert, is considered the largest legislative organization in the United States. The organization’s president and founder, who presented Dagan with the award, said: “Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan is one of Israel’s most prominent regional leaders and a recognized supporter on the international stage of the historic territory of Israel. Dagan’s influence extends far beyond Israel’s borders. One of Israel’s most prominent regional leaders and an internationally recognized figure working for the historic territory of Israel. As head of the Samaria Regional Council, he has devoted his career to strengthening settlement in Judea and Samaria, promoting economic development, building international partnerships and deepening ties between Israel and its friends around the world. Understanding the importance of international activity, he has worked tirelessly to build connections with public officials, religious leaders, businesspeople and policymakers around the world. His leadership has been marked by courage, vision and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the bond between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. And tonight we are presenting him with the first Israel America Leadership Award.”

Dagan, who was invited to speak as the main speaker at the opening ceremony of the conference, addressed the honor and the strong alliance between the peoples in the face of shared challenges, as well as the importance of the law supporting Judea and Samaria.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan said upon receiving the award: “Thank you for this great honor, I want to share with you that we feel you. We feel your heart. We feel your partnership. We feel what you are doing for the State of Israel, and especially for the pioneers building the heart of the Land of the Bible in Judea and Samaria. Ladies and gentlemen, together with NACL the Judea and Samaria law is advancing, for the recognition of Judea and Samaria. Judea and Samaria are not just people and houses. They are not just roads. The law for the recognition of Judea and Samaria is not just a law. Judea and Samaria are values, the values of justice, we are fighting together to defend Israel. We are fighting together to defend the United States. After October 7 it is clear that we are in this campaign together. And from these values, we will win. We will win together!”