Today (Wednesday), the ceremony for the President’s Excellency Award took place at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. During the ceremony, the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog, awarded 120 outstanding soldiers and officers from various IDF units with certificates and pins. The honorees were chosen for the President’s Excellency Award as they strived for excellence, demonstrated dedication, showed professionalism and responsibility and worked extensively in a manner that set an example for the IDF as a whole.
Every recipient will also be awarded a scholarship for an academic degree following their release from the IDF.
Among the 120 who were awarded the President’s Excellency Award, there were 67 men and 53 women, with 19 of them serving as officers.
The ceremony was held in the presence of the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog, Israel’s Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Minister of Defense, Mr. Yoav Gallant and with the participation of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, additional members of the General Staff and the families of the award recipients.
President Isaac Herzog said: “Outstanding soldiers and dear families: on behalf of the entire nation, I want to tell you - I am proud of you and well done! Even nowadays, we must remember - the spectacular Israeli mosaic, that consists of many voices, opinions and perspectives, is not a weakness. Israel’s wonderful diversity includes Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze and Circassians, religious, secular, traditional and ultra-Orthodox, veterans and immigrants, from every lifestyle. this is our unique strength and our miracle. You, the 120 honorees on this stage, are 120 outstanding examples of light and hope. The IDF is the people's army. Continue to strive and succeed, Happy Independence Day!"
Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, said: "This year the IDF is celebrating its 75th Birthday. I think we should look back, and take note of two things. One, is the pioneering decision to establish the IDF As the people's army - everyone serves. and it's true, there’s an ongoing discussion from the establishment of the State of Israel, regarding what it means for everyone to serve - but what is important is that the IDF wants to integrate as many parts of Israeli society into it as possible. The second thing that should be noted is the IDF’s central mission. The IDF protects Israel and its civilians. But just as importantly, it is very crucial socially. It connects every part of the nation and strengthens us where necessary.”