Israeli Actress Yona Elian-Keshet Receives 2026 President's Award for Public and Artistic Contributions

Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced the recipients of the 2026 President's Award, honoring individuals who have made unique contributions to the State of Israel. Among the honorees is actress Yona Elian-Keshet, recognized not only for her artistic work but also for her extensive public service.

In an interview on Kan News Radio, Elian-Keshet described her reaction to receiving the award as deeply emotional and surprising, noting she was initially unaware of the reason for the call from the President's office. She explained that prior to the official phone call from President Herzog, she received a preliminary call from his office, which she thought might relate to cultural matters. When the President called to inform her of the award, she was stunned and very moved.

Elian-Keshet’s public contributions include serving as chairperson of the AMI management committee, membership in the Israeli Film Council and Film Fund, and involvement in the management committees of the "Elem" and "Amcha" organizations. She has also been active for years in the "Zikaron Basalon" (Memory in the Living Room) initiative, which she regards as a personal mission in memory of her parents.

Currently, Elian-Keshet is performing in the play "Goodbye and Thanks for the Kremshnit" at the Habima National Theater alongside Tuvia Tzafir, with whom she previously worked on the popular series "Sabbri Maranan." She humorously commented on their collaboration, referencing their long-standing acquaintance.

On a personal note, Elian-Keshet shared her experience as an active grandmother, expressing joy in spending time with her grandchildren despite previously telling her children she would not be a typical grandmother.

Other recipients of the 2026 President's Award include Professor Hossam Haick from the Technion, medical psychologist Professor Molly Lahad, Professor Hafziba Lifshitz from Bar-Ilan University, ornithologist Professor Yossi Leshem from Tel Aviv University, social activist Ziva Makonen, former minister Attorney Moshe Nissim, Rabbi Chaim Sabato of the Maale Adumim Hesder Yeshiva, Reichman University founder Professor Uriel Reichman, victims' rights organization chairman Ivy Moses, and "Rimon" music school founder Yehuda Adar.