Jerusalem, Israel - July 9, 2019 - The Jerusalem Unity Prize was established five years ago. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat joined with the families of the three murdered teens Gil-Ad Shaer, Eyal Yifrach and Naftali Fraenkel and with Gesher organization to present an annual prize to organizations promoting unity. 

The three Israeli winners for this year were the Hinam Center, Gan Yavne, and the Plugta Center.

The fourth award for Diaspora was Moishe House, established in 2006, to address the growing need for finding new ways to recruit young Jews to connect Jewish identity and values, and to integrate Judaism in relevant and meaningful ways into everyday life. The vision was to empower the next generation of Jewish leaders and create a vibrant Jewish young community, through meetings home and the homes of communal accommodation. 

Chief Global Officer Alejandro Okret based in London, was in Jerusalem, Israel at Beit Hanasi to accept the award for Moishe House.

President Reuven Rivlin spoke first addressing the parents of the murdered teens seated in the front row of the crowded Beit Hanasi main hall for the award ceremony;. "Out of grief and inconceivable pain, not only you found light, but have brought light to us" 

Social Equality Minister Gila Gamliel spoke as did Ofir Shaer representing the parents of the murdered teens. Former mayor and now MK Nir Barkat also spoke briefly during the program, and chaired the committee which reviewed the prize applications. Also attending the midday event were former and present Jewish Agency heads Natan Sharansky and Isaac Herzog.

Israeli singer Amir Dadon performed לבחור נכון for the musical interlude.

The program concluded with the awardees posing for photos and the singing of HaTikvah.