Knesset Speaker Yuli-Yoel Edelstein has congratulated his close friend Natan Sharansky on his winning the Israel Prize, saying, "Natan, who paid a heavy price in order to reach the Land of Israel, worked and served the state in a variety of roles in promoting and bringing immigrants and the Jews of the world closer to the Land of Israel and the Land of Israel closer to immigrants and Jews of the world."
Edelstein added, "Natan is a symbol of inner courage, spiritual independence and a torch who went before the camp. As a prisoner of Zion, as an immigrant and as a friend, I am proud and happy to the awarding of the prize."