UK-born director of StandWithUS awarded top prize for contribution of immigrants

The British-born director of a major Israel advocacy organisation has been awarded one of Israel’s top prizes for the outstanding contribution of immigrants.

Michael Dickson, who moved to Israel with his British wife to become executive director of StandWithUs-Israel, said he was “humbled” to be one of seven olim to win the Bonei Zion Prize.

The awards are organised by Nefesh B’Nefesh, which helps Jews make aliyah, and are dished out in categories including education, Israel advocacy, science and medicine, young leadership, community, and culture, arts and sports.

“It is a joy to be able to live in the Jewish State and a privilege to be able to contribute to it,” said Dickson.

“I am honoured to be receiving this alongside incredible men and women. I am a proud product of the UK-Jewish community, which has always put a love of – and connection with – Israel at the centre of communal life.”

Other winners this year include Miriam Ballin, a US-born Charedi therapist who created the United Hatzalah Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit, and Prof Ora Paltiel, a Canada-born haematologist and epidemiologist currently in London.

Last year, two Brits who made aliyah won the award. Linda Streit, who founded the Daniel Amichai Center for Rowing and Natural Studies, and Major Keren Hajioff, who manages the IDF’s social media, were honoured as Bonei Zion – Builders of Zion.