A broad and comprehensive assistance system that reaches thousands of families and individuals every year
On Sunday, June 7, 2026, in a moving ceremony held in Jerusalem, Rabbi Yosef Cohen, chairman of the Chasdei Naomi Association, was awarded the Jerusalem Mayor’s Award for Volunteerism. A prestigious award given to organizations and individuals who work voluntarily for the capital city and its residents.
Chasdei Naomi, which has been operating for over four decades throughout the country and in Jerusalem in particular, was founded with a vision of helping others and preserving human dignity. Over the years, the organization in Jerusalem has built a broad and comprehensive assistance network that reaches thousands of families and individuals every year.
In the field of assistance to Holocaust survivors, Chasdei Naomi operates a unique home visit project, in which the organization’s volunteers visit survivors living alone in their apartments throughout Jerusalem. The volunteers bring with them not only practical assistance in the form of food, medicine, and equipment, but mainly company, attention, and a listening ear. For many survivors, the weekly visit from a Chasdei Naomi volunteer is the most significant human connection of their week.
In the field of food distribution and material assistance, the association operates a regular distribution network in Jerusalem of food packages, holiday kits, and basic products for needy families. In preparation for each holiday and occasion, the association increases its activity and ensures that no family in the city is left without a proper holiday table.
During the Iron Swords War, Hasdei Naomi significantly expanded its activities in Jerusalem. The organization provided assistance to widows and bereaved families, accompanied the families of soldiers and reservists, and worked alongside municipal and state officials to provide rapid assistance to anyone who found themselves in distress due to the security situation.
The awarding of the decoration to Rabbi Yosef Cohen constitutes public and official recognition of his personal contribution and the association’s contribution to the community resilience of Jerusalem, over decades of quiet, dedicated and relentless work on behalf of the city’s residents.
