President Herzog Announces 2026 Recipients of Israel's Highest Civil Honor

Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced the first group of 11 recipients of the 2026 President's Medal, the country's highest civilian award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the State of Israel. Among the honorees are Rabbi Chaim Sabato, head of the Birkat Moshe Yeshiva in Ma'ale Adumim; Professor Uriel Reichman, president of Reichman University; and Ivy Moses, chairman of the Victims of Hostilities Organization. The award, established in 2012 by former President Shimon Peres, honors individuals whose work, skills, or service have made an outstanding impact on Israel or humanity.

President Herzog personally informed each recipient of their selection. In a call with Ivy Moses, Herzog's announcement came as Moses stood among 250 children who lost family members in Israeli conflicts, underscoring the award's significance. Actress and artist Yona Elian Keshet expressed deep gratitude, highlighting the honor's personal and professional meaning. Rabbi Sabato described it as a "great privilege to work for future generations and Jewish values," emphasizing his commitment to education and Jewish identity.

The full list of 2026 recipients includes Yona Elian Keshet, Professor Hossam Haick, Professor Muli Lahad, Professor Heftziba Lifshitz, Professor Yossi Leshem, Ivy Moses, Ziva Makkonen, Attorney Moshe Nissim, Rabbi Chaim Sabato, Yehuda Adar (founder of the Rimon School of Music), and Professor Uriel Reichman. The honorees were recommended by a public advisory committee chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Professor Yoram Danziger, appointed by Herzog upon taking office.

Herzog praised the recipients for embodying values of giving, responsibility, and mutual support foundational to Israeli society. Since assuming office, Herzog has awarded the medal to prominent figures across various sectors, including national leaders and Jewish community heads worldwide. In 2023, nine individuals received the honor, such as Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, Dr. Miriam Adelson, and author Galila Ron-Feder Amit. Additional awards are expected later this year to leading figures from Israel and the diaspora, with Herzog emphasizing that each recipient's story reflects the best qualities of Israeli society.