Israeli Hesder Yeshiva in Samaria Wins Defense Minister’s Shield Award for Supporting Reservists

The Hesder Yeshiva "Birkhat Yosef" in Alon Moreh, located in the Samaria region, has been selected as one of the recipients of the 2026 Defense Minister’s Shield Award. This award honors employers, academic institutions, and local authorities that demonstrate significant and ongoing support for Israeli reservists and their families. The award committee, led by Il Hanes, head of the Ministry of Defense’s Veterans and Reservists Division, and Brigadier General Benny Ben Ari, the IDF’s Chief Reservist Officer, reviewed over 1,000 recommendations and shortlisted 99 finalists, including 76 employers, 13 academic institutions, and 10 local authorities.

The selection process involved thorough verification of testimonies and professional evaluations, with participation from government ministries, the defense establishment, business sectors, academia, and local government representatives. The award recognizes entities that view reservists as a national asset and provide flexible work and study environments, welfare initiatives, and organizational policies that strengthen the reservist system.

Other winners alongside the yeshiva include major companies such as Amdocs, Bezeq, Israel Electric Corporation, and Applied Materials, as well as municipalities like Ma'ale Adumim and Ashdod. Academic winners include Reichman University, Ono Academic College, Ariel Technological College, and Sami Shamoon College of Engineering. The award ceremony is scheduled for later this year.

Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the critical role of reservists, especially following the heavy and prolonged burdens since October 7, and praised the awardees for their commitment and support. Katz stated, "Strengthening the reservist system is a national mission, and together we will ensure that those who serve to defend Israel know the country stands behind them."