David Hager
David Hagerצילום: ערוץ 7

American-Jewish businessman David Hager, a board member of the Friends of Netzach Yehuda association and a co-founder of the Nahal Haredi battalion, has been awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

President Isaac Herzog spoke with Hager and informed him of the award for his important work in promoting the integration of haredi Jews into the IDF and Israeli society.

Hager, 64, was born and raised in Jerusalem. Over two decades ago, he was one of the pioneers of haredi integration into the IDF, and helped establish the Netzach Yehuda Battalion, better known as Nahal Haredi.

Since then, he has dedicated many years to promoting the Friends of Netzach Yehuda association, which supports haredi soldiers in the IDF, and works to integrate demobilized haredi soldiers, currently numbering 16,000, into Israeli society in employment, economics, and all areas of life.

CEO of the Friends of Netzach Yehuda, Major (res.) Yossi Levi, said that "especially at this time when unfortunately the gap in our society is growing, nothing is more important than recognition and appreciation of the project of haredi integration into the IDF, which is a real milestone and bridge between the sectors in Israel and contributes greatly to strengthening social resilience. We thank David for over two decades of endless support, partnership, and action. He is truly worthy of this honor."