Israel Prize Laureate Amal Nasreddin, a pillar of the Druze community, passes away at 96 

Amal Nasreddin, one of the most prominent leaders of the Druze community, passed away today (Sunday) at the age of 96. Nasreddin was the founder and chairman of the Druze Yad Labanim House and served as a member of the Knesset on behalf of the Likud from 1977 to 1988.

Nasreddin is the recipient of the Israel Prize in the field of lifetime achievement for 2023 - and in 2005 he was chosen to carry a torch at the torch-lighting ceremony on the eve of Independence Day.

"It is with great sorrow and grief that we announce the passing of the great leader, a visionary, who dedicated his life to the Druze community, the people and the state. His legacy, his path and his work will continue to illuminate our path and influence generations to come," his family said in a mourning message.

When he won the Israel Prize two years ago, the committee wrote in its reasoning that he had led the Druze community, its influence and its integration into the State of Israel in his public activity and social leadership. "His work includes, among other things, the recruitment of Druze for military service, the establishment of a pre-military preparatory school, the establishment of Yad Labanim for the Druze community, the integration of Druze women in work and industry, and the granting of equal rights to Druze and Jewish workers," the report said.

In an interview with Ynet after winning the prize, he said, "I have dedicated my entire life to strengthening the bond and alliance between the Jewish people and the wonderful Druze community, and for that almost every family in our country has paid the price with its children."