The American Friends of the Yitzhak Rabin Center (AFYRC) honored Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick last night with the 2014 Yitzhak Rabin Leadership and Public Service Award. The award was presented to Governor Patrick at the AFYRC gala dinner taking place at The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. AFYRC is a non-profit organization supporting the mission of The Yitzhak Rabin Center, a national institute dedicated to the late Prime Minister, Defense Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Yitzhak Rabin.

Event co-chairs participating in the program included: Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group and the New England Patriots; Jonathan Lavine, Managing Partner of Bain Capital and Chief Information Officer of Sankaty Advisors, the credit affiliate of Bain Capital; and John Fish, Chairman and CEO of Suffolk Construction Co. and chair of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

Similar to Yitzhak Rabin who confronted many social and economic obstacles while serving as Prime Minister during two different terms, Governor Patrick has also experienced his fair share of trials, including a challenging economic environment. However, much like Rabin, Governor Patrick has helped to overcome this challenge by pursuing a strategy of investing in education, in innovation and in infrastructure while also responsibly balancing the Commonwealth’s budget and achieving the highest bond rating in Commonwealth history.

Governor Patrick was recognized for his commitment to helping position the state as a global leader in biotech, bio pharmaceuticals and IT, and as a national leader in clean energy, including making Massachusetts home to the country’s first offshore wind farm. In addition, Governor Patrick is acknowledged for promoting trade relationships between Israel and Massachusetts.

“With many Israeli managed or owned start-ups in Massachusetts, we were pleased to be able to present this award to Governor Patrick to thank him for helping to provide Israelis and all Bostonians with innovative economic and social opportunities,” said Dalia Rabin, Rabin’s daughter and chair of the Yitzhak Rabin Center in Tel Aviv. “Like my father, Governor Patrick recognizes the importance of investing in education and equalizing opportunity for all citizens and we are proud to honor him with this recognition.”