President Herzog Announces 2026 Recipients of Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honor
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has announced the first group of recipients for the 2026 Presidential Medal of Honor, recognizing individuals who have made unique contributions to the State of Israel. The honorees include prominent figures from various fields such as science, education, social activism, and the arts.
Among the awardees are Professor Hossam Haick, a scientist from the Technion; Professor Molly Lahad, a medical psychologist; and Professor Haptziba Lifshitz from Bar-Ilan University's Faculty of Education. Also honored is Professor Yossi Leshem, an ornithologist from Tel Aviv University's Zoology Department.
Social activist Ziva Makonen and former minister and lawyer Moshe Nissim are included, alongside Rabbi Chaim Sabato, head of the Hesder Yeshiva in Ma'ale Adumim. Actress Yona Elian Keshet, Reichman University founder Professor Uriel Reichman, chairman of the Victims of Hostilities Organization Ivy Moses, and Yehuda Adar, founder of the Rimon School of Music, complete the list of recipients.
This diverse group reflects a broad spectrum of contributions to Israeli society, spanning academia, public service, culture, and community leadership.
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