The B’nai B’rith World Center announced its decision to confer a special citation upon the acclaimed singer and composer Hanan Yovel (80), in recognition of his decades-long contribution to fostering and strengthening the bonds between the State of Israel and the Jewish Diaspora through the arts and music. The citation will be presented on June 18, 2026, at the Adenauer Conference Center at Mishkenot Sha’ananim, Jerusalem.

Citation in Conjunction with Annual Journalism Award

The citation will be awarded along with the annual B’nai B’rith World Center Award for Journalism Recognizing Excellence in Diaspora Reportage in memory of Wolf and Hilda Matsdorf.

This year’s winner for print media is Zev Stub, Diaspora correspondent for The Times of Israel, and for broadcast media is Tamar Ish Shalom for her JPPI-sponsored “Jewish Crossroads” podcast. A Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Oren Nahari, host of “Shabbat with Oren Nahari” on KAN Reshet Bet radio and former foreign desk chief and editor at the Israel Broadcasting Authority.

Currently marking its 34th consecutive year, the B’nai B’rith World Center Award for Journalism remains the premier award in Israel for excellence in covering Diaspora Jewry and Israel-Diaspora relations.

About Hanan Yovel

Hanan Yovel, a beloved figure in contemporary Israeli culture, has dedicated his career to reinforcing ties with global Jewish communities through international concert tours, cultural initiatives and collaborative projects. After serving in an IDF military entertainment troupe, Yovel’s illustrious career included leading ensembles “Shlosharim,” “Kef HaTikva HaTova,” and “Shovavei Zion,” prior to establishing a highly successful solo career. He has composed hundreds of melodies that have become foundational assets of the Hebrew songbook.

Since the 1980s, Yovel has operated as a cultural ambassador for the State of Israel, performing before Jewish communities and Israeli expatriates globally, with engagements spanning the United States, Europe, Australia, the former Soviet Union and Mexico. These endeavors have been conducted in coordination with major international organizations, including B’nai B’rith, Keren Hayesod, the Jewish Agency and UJA.

During the early years of his engagement with U.S. Jewish communities (1984–1990), Hanan’s tours were facilitated by the B’nai B’rith International Lecture and Artists Bureau. Among his roughly 500 compositions are seminal Israeli classics such as “Ani Ve’Simon Ve’Moiz HaKatan” (Me, Simon, and Little Moiz), “SheHaShemesh Ta’avor Alai” (May the Sun Pass Over Me), and “Pegisha Hatzi Pegisha” (A Casual Meeting).

Alongside his artistic pursuits, Yovel has led numerous social and educational initiatives and has served as the artistic director and producer for various national festivals and state events. His professional contributions have earned him widespread acclaim, including the “Outstanding Artist” award (2000), the ACUM Lifetime Achievement Award (2018), the Arik Einstein Prize (2021), and Lifetime Achievement Awards from both Bar-Ilan University and the Israeli Artists Association (EMI) (2022–2023). Since the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre, he has performed extensively on a pro-bono basis for displaced citizens throughout Israel. In 2024, he was named “Man of the Year” by the Lions Club. Yovel is married and the father of two children.

Previous Winners

The B’nai B’rith World Center Special Citation for Fostering Israel-Diaspora Relations through the Arts, established in 2014, has been presented previously to singer and songwriter Nurit Hirsh (2014), David D’Or (2015) , Idan Raichel (2016), David Broza (2017), Yehoram Gaon (2019), Shalva Band (2020), Danny Sanderson (2021), Shuli Natan (2022), Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (2023), Ilanit (2024) and Effi Netzer (2025).

 For further information please contact:

• Golan Yossifon, Spokesperson: 052-5625135
• Alan Schneider, Director, B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem: 052-5536441