Young olim Nefesh B’Nefesh winners

Young olim from West Hempstead and Cedarhurst were among nine who were awarded the Nefesh B’Nefesh Maor Youth Prize for their contributions in enriching Israeli society amidst the challenges of the past year.

The prize, named after the Hebrew word for “light,” was presented during a ceremony on the eighth night of Chanukah. Other recipients, ages 15 to 17, are from Washington Heights, Manhattan, Teaneck, Toronto, Denver and South Africa.

“These impressive young olim exemplify the determination and spirit that lie at the heart of aliyah,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “We honor their contributions which have strengthened and enriched their local communities.

“Not only have they risen to the personal challenges of acclimation, language, and building new homes, but they have excelled by transforming their new beginnings into opportunities to make a meaningful impact through dedication and hard work.”

Lizzy Kramer, 15, made aliyah from West Hempstead to Ramat Beit Shemesh in 2022, when she was in eighth grade. She is an active leader in her local Ezra chapter and a madricha for 6th-grade girls.

Kramer plans activities, trips, and learning programs, all in Hebrew, while also organizing teen programming in her neighborhood. She volunteers extensively as well, meeting weekly with an elderly woman through Sabavta, supporting a young girl with Down syndrome through Et Laasot, and participating in the Beit Shemesh Yachad Hub.

Akiva Fein, 16, made aliyah from Cedarhurst to Ramat Beit Shemesh in 2009. After October 7th, Akiva channeled his fear and uncertainty into thoughtful writing, sharing his perspective as a young teen living through the war on social media platforms.

Fein began studying Israel’s history and conflicts in depth, using his growing platform to debunk misinformation and speak openly about life in Israel today, gaining a significant following. He has been invited to speak on a Birthright trip and was even offered the opportunity to represent Israeli teens abroad.

Story submitted by NBN