Zvi Slonim
Zvi SlonimScreenshot

One of the recipients of the 2012 Moskowitz Prize for Zionism is Tzvi Slonim.

Slonim is a seventh generation Israeli, and his roots are planted firmly in the soil of Eretz Yisrael. A resident of Kedumim, he is the grandson of the last chief rabbi of Hevron. In his youth, Tzvi was a leader of the Bnei Akiva youth movement. 

Slonim was a founder of Gush Emunim and one of the first settlers of Samaria. He established the Eretz Israel Academy in Elon Moreh, the Kedumim Archeological Museum, and was a founder of the Ariel University Center.

In late 1980, Slonim established a school for Ethiopian girls in Kedumim. He has been deeply involved in immigrant absorption, and in 1990 was responsible for settling Russian immigrants in Judea and Samaria. For decades, he dedicated himself to volunteer work.

He acceded to JDC-Israel’s request that he serve as head of the Shomron communities, which he led for more than decade, during which he advised and guided a team of leaders in the community working in Judea and Samaria. He established the Land Redemption Fund, which became the main organization reclaiming land in Judea and Samaria from Arabs. Despite his age, and thanks to his charisma and talent, Slonim continues to engage in his public activity, day and night, including visits overseas and speaking engagements to share with the general public his enthusiasm, vision and belief in building the Land of Israel.

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Avigdor Kahalani, a member of the judging committee, said, “Tzvi Slonim personifies the beautiful Land of Israel. He is a man who, with his own hands, has – literally and figuratively – planted the seeds that have grown into trees throughout the country. More than once, he has fought alone in the struggle to establish institutions and settlements in our Land, and with his resolute spirit persevered nonetheless. All those who have witnessed his actions over the years salute him. Having reached the age of 80, Tzvika continues to serve as a model for emulation for those following in his footsteps.”

The annual Moskowitz Prize was established by Dr. Irving and Cherna Moskowitz, as an expression of support for the people who implement Zionism in today's society, and who work for the betterment of society and to strengthen the Jewish national home.