Lamm worthy recipient of UIA’s highest honour

At a ceremony in Jerusalem earlier this month, long-time Australian communal leader and philanthropist Rafi Lamm was awarded the Yakir Award – the highest honour bestowed by Keren Hayesod–United Israel Appeal.

Presented by Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, the award recognises individuals whose devotion, leadership and volunteerism have profoundly strengthened the Jewish people and advanced the mission of Keren Hayesod-UIA in Israel and around the world.

“For decades, Rafi’s commitment and involvement has been woven into the very fabric of UIA. Beginning as Young Leadership chair, he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of communal engagement.

“Later, he helped drive major donor recruitment and procurement, ensuring the organisation’s capacity to respond to Israel’s most urgent needs.

“Together with his wife Aliza, they have stood as generous, steadfast partners, committed not only in spirit but in meaningful action,” UIA stated.

The Yakir Award is presented annually to exceptional men and women who embody the values of service, responsibility and impact. Each year, recipients are selected by the International Committee at Keren Hayesod-UIA’s Jerusalem headquarters.

This year, Lamm was honoured alongside distinguished leaders from Mexico, Canada and Johannesburg.

For Lamm, the moment carried an added layer of poignancy as he was also in Israel for the dedication of a new synagogue he and Aliza generously donated at Moshav Shlomit – one of the communities the UIA Australia is rebuilding through its Communities2Gether program in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks.

“The dedication ceremony was deeply emotional. UIA Australia leadership stood alongside local residents as the ribbon was cut, a testament to the unity of the Jewish world during one of Israel’s most challenging chapters,” UIA said in its statement.

“In receiving the Yakir Award, Rafi joins a distinguished lineage of leaders whose service has left an indelible mark on the Jewish people.

“His decades of unwavering commitment, his belief in the mission of UIA, and his ability to lead with both heart and vision reflect the very essence of what the award represents.

“It was, in every sense, a well-deserved honour – one that celebrates not only a lifetime of contribution, but also the values and love of Israel that continue to guide Rafi’s leadership today.”