The ceremony for the President’s Outstanding Soldiers for Israel’s 78th Independence Day, recorded this week and broadcast today (Wednesday) at the President’s Residence, Jerusalem. During the ceremony, the President presented certificates of excellence and pins to 120 outstanding officers and soldiers from all IDF units.
The outstanding individuals received the President’s Outstanding Soldier title due to their pursuit of excellence, demonstration of dedication, professionalism, and responsibility, as well as their extensive contributions which serve as an example and model for the entire IDF.
The ceremony was held in the presence of the President of the State, Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, and with the participation of the Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the General Staff Forum, and the families of the outstanding individuals.
This is the third year that the ceremony is being held amidst ongoing combat, in which all the outstanding individuals are taking a significant part in their various roles.
Among the 120 President’s Outstanding Soldiers, there are 69 men and 51 women, with 18 of them serving as officers. Additionally, 67 of the outstanding individuals serve as combat soldiers, 2 as combat support, and 51 in rear-echelon positions.
The Association for the Soldiers, with the generous contribution of the Ruban Foundation, awarded scholarships to the outstanding soldiers.
As part of this initiative, each outstanding soldier received a financial scholarship and an iPad, intended to assist them in their studies after their release from the IDF.
The President of the State, Mr. Isaac Herzog, delivered a speech: “It is difficult to recall another period when our outstanding individuals were soldiers whose service was largely spent in war. An outstanding individual in a normal year excels above all, but during wartime, they do so under fire. Outstanding individuals in a normal year fight on the front lines; during wartime, they do so beyond enemy lines. Outstanding individuals in a normal year study past battles, but you are fighting the battles that future generations will study. We all grew up on stories of heroism, but this generation surpasses them all.”
“On this occasion, I wish to send a strong embrace and wishes for complete recovery and a swift healing to all the wounded, both physically and mentally, true heroes, and their families. Happy Independence Day, State of Israel!”
The Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, said: “The 120 outstanding individuals standing here, representing those who ‘plow’ and ‘reap’ for our entire country, work for Israel’s security day and night, ensuring the cycle of life and security for all citizens of Israel.”
“Dear audience, look at this magnificent human mosaic – 120 stories of dedication; of action stemming from a deep sense of mission, of partnership at the core of our operational activities. Our outstanding individuals come from all corners of the world and all parts of our special country: new immigrants who chose to tie their fate to this nation and this land, and lone soldiers who have turned us all into one large family.”
“Today we mark seventy-eight years of Israeli independence. Seventy-eight years of building, planting, and creating. These are very complex times for celebrations. At this moment, as we honor you, our excellent soldiers, our fighters are deployed on all fronts, constantly risking their lives with endless devotion in the security mission.”
“At this very moment, we are engaged in intense combat in Lebanon to strengthen the defense of the northern communities. Likewise, in combat against Iran, in ‘The Lion’s Den’ and ‘The Lion’s Roar.’ At this moment, the IDF maintains high alertness and readiness, prepared to return immediately and powerfully to combat on all fronts. These prolonged years of fighting have reshaped Israel’s security and fortified our existence in the region.”
“Behind these unprecedented achievements we have attained in combat on every front, there are faces and names. Some stand here before you today, some will pass you on the street and you will likely not know how deep and wondrous their sacrifice and devotion were for all of us – for a life of prosperity and growth here in the State of Israel, for the eternal existence of Israel.”