Rabbi Haim Druckman, a prominent spiritual leader of Israel’s Religious Zionist movement, lifelong educator, founder of the Jewish settlement project, and politician, died here in Jerusalem on Dec. 25. He was 90.

In awarding him the Israel Prize in 2012, the country’s most prestigious civilian honor, the judges cited the significant contribution he had made in bringing together disparate factions of the Jewish people.

He recounted that his life had been saved three times: Once when Nazis entered the family’s house but failed to find them in their underground hideout; when they safely crossed a swelling river while escaping to Romania; and when one of three boats carrying refugees to Palestine was sunk by the Germans. He was in one of the two that made the journey across the Black Sea to Turkey. Having received his life as a gift three times, he said he was determined to fill it with meaning and purpose.