The Moskowitz Prize for Zionism honors individuals who are making impressive efforts to realize the Zionist vision of fully returning the Jewish people to its land. The annual prize, totaling $100,000, was established by US physician, businessman and philanthropist Dr. Irving and Cherna Moskowitz, as an “expression of support for people who put Zionism into action” in modern Israeli society.

This year, the prize was divided into two categories: the traditional Lion of Zion, awarded to Israeli citizens who have addressed the challenges facing modern Zionism in spheres such as education, research, settlement, culture and security; and the Spirit of Zion, an award for young Israelis pursuing new Zionist initiatives.

Hundreds of candidates were fielded for this year’s prize, and the winners were selected after a protracted process. The prize committee got an up-close look at some of the most impressive Zionist’s in action who seek to change the problems facing Israel in the fields of education, settlement and social action.

The winners of the annual Lion of Zion prize include Michael Freund, founder of the Israel Returns organization. Established in 2002, Israel Returns was founded to strengthen the ties of the Jewish people and the State of Israel with groups of Jewish origin and others who wish to become part of the Jewish people. Israel Returns has been reaching out to the lost tribe of the Bnei Menashe of India, hidden Jews of Poland and Italy, the Bnei Anousim of Portugal, the Chinese Jewish community of Kaifeng, and other communities of Jewish descent around the world.

The second winner of the Lion of Zion prize is Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon, founder of the NGO Job Katif, who in 2008 received the President’s Medal for Volunteerism for his work in helping people expelled from the Katif Bloc in the 2005 Disengagement find employment.

The third winner, Dr. Gabi Barkai, is an Israeli archeologist who has led the Council Against Destruction of the Antiquities of the Temple Mount. In 2005, Dr. Barkai and archeologist Yitzhak Zweig initiated the project for saving invaluable antiquities by sifting through the dirt that the Muslim Waqf illegally removed from the Temple Mount between 1996 and 2001.

The project was born out of a need to save the Temple Mount antiquities, after the Waqf allowed deep digging inside the Mount. “Dr. Barkai led the public outcry despite the opposition of his colleagues. He continues to struggle for the Jewish nation’s right to the sacred mountain,” the prize committee stated.

The Spirit of Zion prize was awarded to Aftamo Yosef, founder of the Tzeida Laderech program for Meaningful Service, helping Ethiopian-Israeli youth realize their potential through IDF service; and Netanel Ellinson, author of the Hiker’s Guide to Samaria, and who organizes hikes throughout the biblical heartland to not only ensure tourism and learn about the area, but also to help people feel comfortable hiking there, and ensure and continuous Jewish presence.

The 5774 (2014) award ceremony was broadcast via a live feed on Thursday. To watch the award ceremony, click here.