One of this year’s winners of the new “Jerusalem Unity Prize in Memory of Eyal, Gilad & Naftali” is Rabbi Nechemya Wilhelm, who has served as director of Chabad of Bangkok-Ohr Menachem in Thailand for the past 20 years. The prize pays tribute to those who are committed to unifying efforts within the worldwide Jewish community.

It is also named for and honours the memory of the three Israeli teenage boys who were kidnapped and killed last summer before the start of the war with Hamas in Gaza: Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Frenkel.

Bangkok’s Chabad House sees tens of thousands of visitors from around the world pass through its doors annually. It offers Jewish tourists free services, such as Shabbat meals, a place to sit and relax, Internet accessibility and local information, and even aid in times of crisis.

The rabbi and his wife, Nechama Dina, started their shlichus there in 1995. The house has a synagogue and a subsidised kosher restaurant. Hundreds of people partake in the Shabbat and Chag meals that are hosted by the house.

“This prize is for my wife, our children, and all of the emissaries who work here in Thailand under the leadership of head shaliach Rabbi Yosef Kantor,” the rabbi said.