International REscuers
honoring those who save lives
In times of disaster, war and human rights catastrophes, there are those who take action to save the lives of others. The others may be people they have just met, neighbors of a different religion, refugees or those suffering repression.
With the Garden of Rescuers and the International Day of the Righteous ceremony, we honor those who risk their lives for others, who save them from certain death, torture or oppression. Every name etched into the signs hung around the Garden represents one such rescue effort.
Their stories inspire us and remind us that one individual, one organization, one village can make an immense difference when it comes to the lives of others.
In 2023, we undertook a new projcet to commenorate those honored in the Garden, to ensure their stories are recorded, that they remain an inspiration for future generations. With this project, visitors to the Garden can read all about the rescuers with a simple scan of the signs hung around the garden.
The rescuers award ceremony
In 2015, the first event "Honoring the Righteous" took place in the WASNS museum to highlight the important role of the righteous and the rescuers, who act during situations of humanitarian disasters, ethnic cleansing or genocide.
The next year we decided to found a living, green tribute to these rescuers. In 2017 in cooperation with the Gariwo Foundation we established the Garden of Rescuers near the Spiritual Center.
On March 7, 2016, we marked there a first memorial event. Since then every year we hold the Annual Rescuers Award Ceremony and add new names to the rescuers list.
On the following pages you will find the unforgettable stories of those we honor.
Learn About those We Honor
A Bedouin driver, dining room manager, doctor and search and rescue volunteers saved many others on Oct 7
The Nova music party site and the kibbutzim on the Gaza border, where 1,200 Israeli citizens were massacred on Oct 7, 2023,
Working in the face of a ban, 2023
In 2023, we decided to honor the six civil society/human rights organizations that had been outlawed by the Israeli government. These organizations,
Living together, 2022
Ta’ayush is a grassroots organization that received recognition for its work in promoting peace and coexistence between Jewish and Arab communities in
Afghani journalist, 2022
Atefa Ghafoory, born on October 17, 1990, in Afghanistan, has emerged as a formidable activist and journalist, dedicating her life to advocating
Crucial care, 2021
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, are two leading humanitarian organizations dedicated
Saving Jews in Hebron (1929), 2020
Issa Kurdia of Hebron was a key figure during the tragic events of the 1929 Hebron massacre, where he and his family
whoever saves one life...,2020
Bella Freund believed that any life is worth saving, no matter whose, and she put her own safety on the line in
Latrun Abbey, offering refuge, 2020
Latrun Abbey is the nearest neighbor to Wahat al-Salam – Neve Shalom. Established in 1890 by French Trappist monks, the abbey is
Azezet Habtezghi Kidane, (Sister Aziza), helping refugees, 2019
Azezet Habtezghi Kidane, or Sister Aziza as she is widely known, is an Eritrean nun whose life has been marked by profound
Freeing refugees from captivity, 2018
Dr. Alganesc Fesseha is a prominent humanitarian and human rights advocate whose work has made a significant impact in the fight against
risking their lives to save their neighbors, 2018
Before the tragic events of 1929, Hebron was known for its history of peaceful coexistence between Jews and Arabs. For centuries, Jews
Saving Armenians and Jews, special award, 2017
Charles Aznavour was renowned for his music, but his life was also one of bravery and dedication to human rights. Born Shahnour