May 14, 2024
The ceremony for the President’s Award for Outstanding Soldiers: 120 officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers received certificates of appreciation
IDF: The ceremony for the President’s Award for Outstanding Soldiers for Israel's 76th Independence Day was held at the President's Residence in Jerusalem today (Tuesday). During the ceremony, the President awarded certificates of excellence and pins to 120 outstanding officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers from various IDF units.
The honorees were awarded for their commitment to excellence, demonstration of dedication, professionalism, and responsibility that characterizes them, as well as for their extensive work that serves as an example and inspiration to the entire IDF.
The ceremony was held in the presence of the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog, Israel’s Minister of Defense, Mr. Yoav Gallant, and with the participation of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, the Head of the Manpower Directorate (J1), MG Yaniv Asor, and the families of the award recipients.
This year, the ceremony takes place in the shadow of the 'Swords of Iron' War, in which all the outstanding soldiers have a significant part in their various roles.
Of the 120 soldiers, there are 67 men and 53 women, with 19 of them serving as officers. In addition, 69 of the outstanding soldiers serve as combat soldiers, 21 serve as combat support soldiers, and 30 in other supporting positions.
The Association for Israel’s Soldiers distributed academic scholarships to all the outstanding soldiers with the donation of Mr. Kalman Grubner. Each outstanding soldier will receive a 3,500 NIS scholarship for an academic degree following their release from the IDF.
From the speech of the President of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog: “This year, we mark a different Independence Day. We are proud of our independence, of the miracle that is the State of Israel, but our hearts are full of sorrow and pain. I reiterate - there is no greater Mitzvah than redeeming hostages, and as I said we need to act with courage. We need to choose life. We will not rest or be silent – until our sons and daughters return home to their borders.
I have debated considerably whether it is right to hold the traditional ceremony this year for Independence Day at the President's Residence. When we carry with us constantly so much pain, mourning, so much concern for hostages and soldiers, so much sorrow and grief
Now, when I look at you – 120 Outstanding Soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces – I know I made the right decision. You are 120 beacons of light. 120 sources of comfort. 120 sources of hope. Your bravery, excellence, determination, your comradery and love for the people, nation, and homeland – are the source of our strength and inspiration. You lift the spirit of the people, and the whole nation salutes you!”
From the speech of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi: “Dear outstanding soldiers, excellence is an act of hope and optimism, looking to the future. It aims to take responsibility for the collective and to be ready to act on its behalf above and beyond what is expected. Excellence is a significant part of being able to overcome the difficulty and the loss, and to bring about a better future.
The soldiers of the IDF are working and performing their duty with excellence even at this hour and on all fronts: in the south, in the north, in the center - far and near. They do it there so that we can be here, with you and in your honor.
120 of your personal stories are the story of the diverse Israeli society, the story of the IDF as the people's army. How good it will be if in a few years, among the ranks of the outstanding soldiers, there will sit more of its children, proving that it is possible to maintain religious identity and religious lifestyle all the while excelling in military service for the people and the state; these do not contradict each other but rather complete each other – this is a clear national security need.
The honorees were awarded for their commitment to excellence, demonstration of dedication, professionalism, and responsibility that characterizes them, as well as for their extensive work that serves as an example and inspiration to the entire IDF.
The ceremony was held in the presence of the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog, Israel’s Minister of Defense, Mr. Yoav Gallant, and with the participation of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, the Head of the Manpower Directorate (J1), MG Yaniv Asor, and the families of the award recipients.
This year, the ceremony takes place in the shadow of the 'Swords of Iron' War, in which all the outstanding soldiers have a significant part in their various roles.
Of the 120 soldiers, there are 67 men and 53 women, with 19 of them serving as officers. In addition, 69 of the outstanding soldiers serve as combat soldiers, 21 serve as combat support soldiers, and 30 in other supporting positions.
The Association for Israel’s Soldiers distributed academic scholarships to all the outstanding soldiers with the donation of Mr. Kalman Grubner. Each outstanding soldier will receive a 3,500 NIS scholarship for an academic degree following their release from the IDF.
From the speech of the President of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog: “This year, we mark a different Independence Day. We are proud of our independence, of the miracle that is the State of Israel, but our hearts are full of sorrow and pain. I reiterate - there is no greater Mitzvah than redeeming hostages, and as I said we need to act with courage. We need to choose life. We will not rest or be silent – until our sons and daughters return home to their borders.
I have debated considerably whether it is right to hold the traditional ceremony this year for Independence Day at the President's Residence. When we carry with us constantly so much pain, mourning, so much concern for hostages and soldiers, so much sorrow and grief
Now, when I look at you – 120 Outstanding Soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces – I know I made the right decision. You are 120 beacons of light. 120 sources of comfort. 120 sources of hope. Your bravery, excellence, determination, your comradery and love for the people, nation, and homeland – are the source of our strength and inspiration. You lift the spirit of the people, and the whole nation salutes you!”
From the speech of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi: “Dear outstanding soldiers, excellence is an act of hope and optimism, looking to the future. It aims to take responsibility for the collective and to be ready to act on its behalf above and beyond what is expected. Excellence is a significant part of being able to overcome the difficulty and the loss, and to bring about a better future.
The soldiers of the IDF are working and performing their duty with excellence even at this hour and on all fronts: in the south, in the north, in the center - far and near. They do it there so that we can be here, with you and in your honor.
120 of your personal stories are the story of the diverse Israeli society, the story of the IDF as the people's army. How good it will be if in a few years, among the ranks of the outstanding soldiers, there will sit more of its children, proving that it is possible to maintain religious identity and religious lifestyle all the while excelling in military service for the people and the state; these do not contradict each other but rather complete each other – this is a clear national security need.
Our answer to our enemies on this Independence Day is clear: We will continue to live and thrive in the State of Israel, which we have established and built in seventy-six years.”
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The Chief of General Staff with the parents of Captain (res.) Shaul Greenglick z"l, who fell in action in the Gaza Strip
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