"A role model": two Aliyah activists will receive the decoration of the beloved of the city of Jerusalem

Among the 12 recipients of the Beloved of the City of Jerusalem for 2023 are two people who have worked and helped others for many years. One of them is Miriam Friar (88), trained as a teacher of the hard of hearing, who provides help to people with disabilities, was previously active in uplifting the Jews of the Soviet Union and Ethiopian Jews and their absorption in the country.

Since the 1970s, Friar has lived in the Katmon neighborhood of the city. As part of her work, she established a residential center for the disabled, "Shalhavat", and at the same time she is raising resources for it. "I thank the Jerusalem Municipality for the support, care and assistance to the Shalhab residence in an exceptional way," Perrier said excitedly after learning that due to her activities on behalf of the community of people with disabilities, she was chosen as the Darling of Jerusalem.

Another recipient of the award is attorney Yehuda Zaretsky (67), who began his public activities when he was a young student, and was one of the founders of the Chaz movement (Zionist groups) for the absorption of aliyah and the bringing together of hearts. Among other things, Zaretsky founded a factory for the employment of immigrants in Jerusalem and the Mashua movement, for the sake of aliyah.

Yehuda Zaretsky (Photo: Dor Pezzolo)

The municipality informed that the decoration of the Beloved of Jerusalem is awarded to Zaretsky for his activities on behalf of youth and lone soldiers in Jerusalem, "as well as for his activities to strengthen the position of Jerusalem among the residents of the country and Diaspora Jewry, through initiatives and associations such as: Bridge of Gold, Shabbat Jerusalem and Light of Jerusalem".

Zaretsky: "The aliya is a very great Zionist value, especially these days. The aliya to Jerusalem is the pinnacle and title of the aliya to Israel, because many generations have prayed, dreamed and fought to reach Jerusalem, and the one who realized this with his body and soul surpasses all.

"The highlight of the Aliyah to Jerusalem for me is the individual soldiers, who immigrated to Israel and chose to settle, build and create in the eternal capital of the Jewish people. Helping them is a great mitzvah, and in this I saw and still see a great mission and a supreme value."

According to the data, in 2021 the number of new immigrants who chose to live in Jerusalem was the highest among Israeli cities and stood at 3,700 immigrants, approximately 14% of all immigrants to Israel.

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon delivered a message to the winners of the honor: "Dear Jerusalem, I salute you and embrace you. Your contribution in your daily actions is a compass and a model for all. You are part of the mutual guarantee in our city and lead to unity, cohesion and helping others. You are a role model in our community and deserve all recognition."