President Isaac Herzog announced Sunday the awarding of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor to individuals who made exceptional contributions to the State of Israel. The "Presidential Medal" is awarded by the president to those "who through their talents, service or in any other way, made an outstanding contribution to the State of Israel or humanity." The medal is the brainchild of Israel's ninth president, the late Shimon Peres, and was first awarded in 2012.
Upon entering office, the president appointed an advisory committee, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Professor Yoram Danziger, to recommend worthy candidates for the medal on a regular basis. Since then, the president has awarded the medal to prominent figures in Israel and worldwide in various fields, including heads of state, key social figures from different sectors, and Jewish leaders in Israel and around the world.
The "Presidential Medal" will be awarded by the president in an official ceremony expected to take place at the President's House after the High Holy Days.
The medal recipients announced by the president are: Dr. Miriam Adelson, Professor Avi Uri, retired Judge George Karra, Galila Ron-Feder Amit, Professor Dina Porat, Dr. Yossi Vardi, Sheikh Muafak Tarif, Moti Malka, and Mathias Dopfner.
President Herzog personally notified each winner of their selection, and in each conversation he held, the president said that "in each and every one of you I see a figure providing personal example. Your unique contribution is an example of activity worthy of special recognition. The State of Israel owes you deep gratitude for your work, for the uncompromising commitment to values of excellence, solidarity, and innovation, and for your outstanding contribution to strengthening Israeli society and defending and advancing Israel's reputation in the world." The president mentioned and emphasized that "even at these moments the hostages remain in all our hearts – we do not forget them, and continue to act and pray for their swift return."
In the committee's reasoning for selecting the award's recipients, it was written that Dr. Miriam Adelson is "a pioneering scientist, physician and addiction treatment specialist, devoted her life to saving souls, groundbreaking research in the field of drug rehabilitation and fighting stigmas surrounding addiction."
"Together with her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, she made enormous contributions to significant projects for the Jewish people and the State of Israel, in the fields of Jewish identity and Zionism, academia, education, research, medicine, and culture. As a Jewish and Israeli leader with global influence, she uses her power to influence American public opinion and media in favor of advancing Israel's national and security interests, and in the past year used this position to lead a significant contribution to the struggle for the release of the hostages – a contribution that placed her at the forefront of the public and international struggle and reflected her personal commitment to values of solidarity and constant concern for human life."
It was further written that Adelson's years-long contribution "combines medical, educational and philanthropic activity on the national and international level, and establishes her status as one of the central figures working for the Israeli people and the State of Israel throughout the world."
Presidential Medal winners alongside Dr. Adelson:
Professor Avi Uri, one of the world's leading rehabilitation physicians and experts in treating war-wounded individuals. A former captive of the Yom Kippur War, he led rehabilitation medicine in Israel and rehabilitated thousands of patients.
Dr. Mathias Dopfner, CEO of the German "Axel Springer" group, is a brave voice against antisemitism and a staunch supporter of Israel. Demonstrated unprecedented solidarity with Israel in the current war.
Retired Judge George Karra was the first Arab Christian Supreme Court justice of his kind, known for courageous and fair rulings. A symbol of equality before the law and integration in Israeli society.
Galila Ron Peder Amit is a leading children's and youth author who has written hundreds of books that have shaped entire generations. Her works instilled values of curiosity, tolerance, and love of homeland.
Professor Dina Porat, Israel's leading Holocaust researcher, wrote foundational books in the field and leads the fight against antisemitism. Serves as academic advisor at Yad Vashem.
Dr. Yossi Vardi is instrumental in building Israel's high-tech industry and founder of Mirabilis (ICQ). Invested in and established dozens of high-tech companies and serves as a mentor to thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide.
Sheikh Muafaq Tarif is the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, leads a path of moderation and unity. A symbol of the covenant of life between the Druze community and the State of Israel.
Moti Malka is the founder of the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra and led the multicultural revolution in music. He made Andalusian music part of the Israeli cultural map.
