President Herzog Awards 2026 Presidential Medal to Rabbi Chaim Sabato and Others

Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced the first group of recipients for the 2026 Presidential Medal, an honor given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the State of Israel or humanity. Among the honorees are Rabbi Chaim Sabato, Yona Elian Keshet, Professor Hossam Haick, Professor Muli Lahad, Professor Haptziba Lifshitz, Professor Yossi Leshem, Ivy Moses, Ziva Makonen, Attorney Moshe Nissim, Yehuda Adar, and Professor Uriel Reichman. Additional recipients from Israel and the Jewish diaspora are expected to be awarded later this year.

The Presidential Medal was established in 2012 by former President Shimon Peres and is awarded based on recommendations from a public advisory committee chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Professor Yoram Danziger. Since taking office, President Herzog has honored numerous prominent figures from Israel and abroad with this award.

President Herzog personally congratulated each recipient, praising their dedication and impact on Israeli society. He emphasized that the awardees embody values of giving, responsibility, and mutual support that underpin the state. Ivy Moses shared that he received the call while with 250 children who lost loved ones in Israel’s conflicts, highlighting the emotional significance and the mission to support these children.

Yona Elian Keshet described the honor as a "great and moving privilege," Rabbi Sabato called it a "great privilege to work for future generations and the values of love for Israel," and Yehuda Adar expressed his belief in "the power of music to unite people."