Castro-Hoodies Group to Receive Ilan Gilon Prize for Inclusion Efforts

The Castro-Hoodies Group has been named as a recipient of the Ilan Gilon Memorial Prize, awarded by the ALYN Israel association. The honor will be presented during a formal ceremony on December 16, 2026, at Expo Tel Aviv, attended by members of the late politician's family to recognize organizations championing the workplace integration of individuals with disabilities.

The award acknowledges the group's long-standing partnership with the organization, which has expanded steadily since 2022. Currently, 74 students from the "Creating a Future" program participate in vocational training across the retailer's branches, including Urbanica, Hoodies, and Top Ten, as part of their transition into independent adult life. In addition, the company directly employs six workers with disabilities.

ALYN Israel CEO Margalit Filler praised the retailer's dedication, noting that the company has opened its branches to dozens of students, providing valuable experience and demonstrating a genuine corporate commitment to inclusion. HR Vice President Sefi Karp emphasized that social responsibility is a core value for the group, reaffirming a commitment to equal employment opportunities.

Yehudit Gilon, the widow of the late Ilan Gilon, expressed her deep gratitude, highlighting that her husband's life's work focused on putting people first. Founded in 1984, ALYN Israel advocates for the independence of people with disabilities, while the prize honors the enduring legacy of the late MK Ilan Gilon, a tireless campaigner for equal rights.