Israeli Actor Yaakov Bodo Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at 95

At a ceremonial event held at the President's Residence last night, the Israeli Ministry of Culture and Sports awarded the 2025 President Yitzhak Navon Prizes. Esteemed actor and director Yaakov Bodo, known recently for his role in the TV series "Kupa Rishit," received the prestigious "Hayeh Navon" lifetime achievement award. This honor recognized his extensive contributions to Israeli culture and the preservation of Yiddish heritage.

Yaakov Bodo, a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to Israel from Romania in 1950 at age 19, embodies the revival of the Jewish people in their homeland through his life and work. President Isaac Herzog highlighted the prize's role in showcasing the diverse cultural mosaic of Israel, praising the winners for illuminating both the sublime and everyday aspects of Israeli life through their art. Kfir Cohen, Director General of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, emphasized that the winners reflect the rich human tapestry of the nation, a vision deeply valued by President Navon.

Other recipients included playwright Eden Oliel, director and playwright Roy Yosef, multidisciplinary artist and choreographer Daga Feder, dancer and choreographer Yankele Pilcer, author Rami Mark Rom, and multidisciplinary creator Ruth Feuerstein. The ceremony was attended by President Herzog, his wife Michal Herzog, Kfir Cohen, Ran Shapira (Head of the Culture Administration), and Erez Navon, son of the late President Navon and a trustee of the prize.