ISEF alumna, Prof. Rivka (Riki) Savaya (far right), of Tel Aviv University’s Bob Shapell School of Social Work, has been named winner of the Israel Social Workers’ Union Prize. Prof. Savaya was recognized for her work to translate her research findings into actual field practice, over many years of close collaboration with the social welfare authorities in Tel Aviv-Jaffa.
Under Prof. Savaya’s guidance, the city’s social welfare programs now employ intervention strategies whose effectiveness has been proven by solid research, thereby benefiting many thousands of city residents in need. Prof. Savaya previously served on ISEF’s Executive Committee.
“It’s always nice to be recognized, but even nicer when the praise comes from one’s colleagues,” Prof. Savaya remarked.
Prof. Savaya received the award at a Knesset ceremony to mark Social Work Day, in the presence of Labor and Welfare Minister Chaim Katz, Histadrut Chairman Avi Nissenkorn, Social Workers’ Union chair Tsafra Dawik, and MKs Orly Levi-Abekassis and Shuli Mualem-Refaeli.