The Azrieli Foundation announced the winners of the 2025 Azrieli Prize for Outstanding Social Sports Coaches in a ceremony attended by Israel’s First Lady, Mrs. Michal Herzog, and Chair of the Azrieli Foundation Israel, Ms. Danna Azrieli.
This is the third year that the Azrieli Foundation has awarded the Azrieli Prize for Outstanding Social Sports Coaches. The prize was established as part of the SSI (Sport for Social Impact) program’s vision to promote and strengthen Israeli society through sports and physical activity, recognizing coaches who lead social change through sport, not only as a tool for physical achievement, but as a bridge for reducing gaps, strengthening the periphery, and empowering vulnerable populations in Israeli society.
Yesterday, the winners’ announcement ceremony was held at Bloomfield Stadium, Tel Aviv. The ceremony was attended by: The President’s wife, Mrs. Michal Herzog, who gave opening remarks and promotes the field herself; CEO of Azrieli Group and Chairwoman of Azrieli Foundation Israel, Ms. Danna Azrieli, who leads the foundation’s philanthropic vision and compass; the Visionary of the SSI Program and Honorary President of the Paralympic Committee, Mr. Danny Hakim; Director General of the Ministry of Sport, Mr. Kfir Cohen; Chair of the Knesset’s Sports Subcommittee, MK Simon Davidson; Chairman of the Paralympic Committee, Mr. Moshe “Motz” Matalon; representatives of embassies; heads and representatives of sports centers and associations; representatives of nonprofit organizations engaged in sport for social advancement; and others.
Below are the 2025 award recipients in the various categories:
In the Women’s Sports Advancement category: Omri Pedatzur (Running, “Gamani Ratza”) for empowering women battling and recovering from cancer through physical activity.
In the Special Populations category: Yarden Mayersohen (Judo, “Para Fighters Judo”) for establishing and leading Israel’s only Paralympic judo team.
In the At-Risk Populations category: Amiram Gottfried (Ropes and Sailing, “Etgarim” Association) for empowering at-risk youth and leading them toward a better future.
In the Shared Society category: Moshe Yazdi (Football, The Jewish-Arab Center for Peace at Givat Haviva) for using football as a shared language to bridge social gaps.
In the Social Coach in a Competitive Team category: Anan Jarjoura (Volleyball, The Girls of Maccabi Nazareth Volleyball Club) for combining athletic excellence with social values.
In the Promising Coach of the Year category: Raz Ziserman (Surfing, “Home by the Sea”) representing the next generation of social leadership in sport.
The judging panel included key figures from Israeli sports: Peter Paltchik, Two-time Olympic medalist and Chair of the Paltchik Foundation; Ofir Haim, Head Coach of U19&U20 Men’s national team – Israeli Football Association, whom he led to historic achievements; Dr. Tamir Erez, lecturer and researcher in the field of education and sport; Yarden Har Lev, Vice President of Education and International Relations at the Olympic Committee; Tomer Margalit and Orel Chalaf, World Champions in Paralympic Dance, European Champions and World Cup title holders; Loris Afara Farcas, karate athlete, Israeli champion and European bronze medalist, Athena Ambassador; and Danny Hakim, Founder of the SSI Program and representative of the Azrieli Foundation.
Mrs. Michal Herzog, First Lady of Israel: “Sport is never “just sport”, it is a force that builds community and society, serving as a wellspring of hope and solidarity. This solidarity is the driving force behind the Azrieli Awards for coaches with a social and educational mission, figures who, through sport, instill a sense of capability and belonging. These qualities grow into faith and value for families, communities, and individuals alike.'”
Danny Hakim, the Visionary of the SSI Program:
“About four years ago, our vision became reality with the establishment of the SSI Program, understanding that sport is much more than competition, it is also a social tool for changing lives. The coaches who received the award today are not only professionals, but they are also the new leaders of Israeli society. The impact they generate on the ground is critical to our future. They instill values of leadership, determination and mutual responsibility, and prove that every training session on the field is in fact another step in building a strong and more united Israeli society.”
Peter Paltchik, Representative of the Judging Committee: “Anyone who lives in the world of sport knows that while the medal may hang around the athlete’s neck, the journey to it is never made alone. A great coach is not only someone who believes in you, but someone who knows how to demand excellence, who embraces you when needed and pushes you to the limit. During this year’s judging process, we were exposed to coaches who change lives, individuals who build not only champions, but people of strong values and role models within Israeli society. The decision was not simple, but it was clear to us that we had to choose those whose impact extends beyond the field, those who understand that sport is a tool for life.”
Kfir Cohen, Director General of the Ministry of Culture and Sport: “These awards are our salute to the social sports coaches who, beyond the sport itself, are on a social mission, shaping young people toward a better future. They prove that sport is not just sport, it is the heart, bridging deep values with personal excellence. We, at the Ministry of Culture and Sport led by Minister Miki Zohar, view sport as a tool for strengthening national resilience. We are working to ensure that Israeli sport continues to thrive, and that every boy and girl can realize their inherent potential.”
Photos: Oded Karni
