The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, first initiated in 2012 by the Ninth President of Israel, Shimon Peres, is awarded to those “who, by virtue of their skills, service, or in any other way, have made an exceptional contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity.”

This year’s honorees were:
Prof. Avi Ohry, Justice (ret.) George Karra, Galila Ron-Feder Amit, Prof. Dina Porat, Dr. Yossi Vardi, Sheik Muwaffaq Tarif, Moti Malka, Dr. Miriam Adelson, and Dr. Mathias Döpfner.

Moments before the ceremony began, President Herzog hosted a moving meeting between Dr. Adelson and the recently released hostages Matan Angrest and Segev Kalfon. Dr. Adelson, known for her extensive efforts to raise awareness and support for the return of Israeli captives, was warmly thanked by the survivors and their families. 

In his remarks, President Herzog reflected on the honorees’ collective impact and on the challenges facing Israel:

“Every one of our honorees tonight is a person of spirit and action, of vision and purpose. They refused to accept the world as it is and chose instead to work for the world as it can and should be. Each of them, in their own way, has changed a corner of our reality and made it better, and for that, our gratitude and appreciation will endure forever.

“These past two years have not been easy for any of us. Even tonight, soldiers stand on the frontlines defending our people. Hostages of our fallen are still held by a cruel enemy. Yet we also see, in the midst of our trials, the spirit of mutual responsibility that defines us. This evening, in these nine exemplary figures before us, we are reminded of the light within us, of the values that unite the people of Israel and all humanity.”

Speaking on behalf of the laureates, Dr. Adelson shared deeply personal reflections on Israel’s trials and enduring hope:

“Two years ago, like all of us, I plunged into the depths of the trauma of war in Gaza. My role was to help raise awareness in America of the true humanitarian crisis: the hostages. Alongside the deep grief for those we lost, there was immense relief and joy in watching them emerge, one by one, from the hell of the tunnels, returning to the paradise, imperfect though it may be, that we call the Land of Israel.

“The mission is not complete. Thirteen of our sons and daughters are still in captivity. We will not rest, we will not be silent, until they all come home.”

The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor remains the highest civilian recognition awarded by the President of the State of Israel. Since its inception, it has been presented to leaders in Israel and abroad, among them heads of state, cultural icons, and champions of human rights, whose work embodies excellence, solidarity, and humanity.

This year’s ceremony at Beit Hanasi illuminated those enduring values of compassion, courage, and conviction, each representing a unique facet of Israel’s story. The event took place in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, David and Tammy Friedman, and featured the participation of freed hostages Matan Angrest and Segev Kalfon and the families and supporters of the honorees.