In an official ceremony held at the President's Residence in Jerusalem on Sunday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog formally conferred the Presidential Medal of Honor upon 11 distinguished figures. Recognizing extraordinary contributions across science, academia, civil rights, and public service, the nation's highest civilian award celebrated visionaries whose lifelong dedication has left a permanent mark on society both domestically and internationally.
Recognizing Excellence Across Academic and Scientific Frontiers
The 2026 honors list heavily featured academic pioneers whose scientific research has fundamentally altered global paradigms. Among the esteemed laureates was Professor Hossam Haick, an internationally celebrated expert in nanotechnology and biomedical diagnostics from the Technion's Wolfson Faculty of Chemical Engineering. His groundbreaking work developing non-invasive disease detection systems has gained widespread international recognition, establishing him as a leader in global healthcare innovation.
Academia was further represented by Professor Mooli Lahad of Tel-Hai University, a renowned authority on psychological trauma, community resilience, and emergency intervention. His established mental health frameworks are routinely utilized worldwide during crisis recovery operations. Alongside him, Professor Hefziba Lifshitz of Bar-Ilan University's School of Education was honored for her pioneering empirical research regarding cognitive expansion and lifelong learning opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Environmental conservation and higher education governance also anchored the academic honors list. Professor Emeritus Yossi Leshem of Tel Aviv University's School of Zoology was celebrated for nearly five decades of transformative research in ornithology and migratory bird patterns. Concurrently, legal scholar Professor Uriel Reichman was honored as a transformative educational entrepreneur who founded Reichman University, successfully establishing Israel's very first private research institution.
State briefing documents highlight that these academic appointments reflect a broader strategic initiative to honor interdisciplinary excellence. The selection committee underscored how each professor's research translated theoretical academic inquiry into practical public utility. From ecological conservation efforts that foster regional cooperation to innovative medical sensors saving lives, these academic honorees represent decades of sustained intellectual contribution to global society.
Champions of Social Justice and Civilian Advocacy
Beyond academic innovation, official records emphasize the presidential medal's focus on civil rights and community advocacy leaders. Social activist Ziva Mekonen, founder and chief executive officer of Mothers on Guard, was awarded the distinction for her courageous campaign against violence and systemic discrimination targeting Ethiopian Israelis. Her advocacy has driven nationwide awareness, challenging institutional biases and prompting important policy discussions on equality.
The state also recognized Abie Moses, long-serving chairman of the Victims of Terror Organization, who has spent over three decades voluntarily advocating for bereaved families and civilian casualties. Having personally survived a catastrophic attack, Moses built comprehensive institutional networks providing economic assistance, legal aid, and long-term psychological support to thousands of affected families seeking stability after profound personal tragedy.
Cultural Pioneers and Legacy of Public Service
The presidential ceremony prominently highlighted cultural leaders who have shaped the national identity through performing arts and music education. Renowned stage, film, and television actress Yona Elian-Keshet was honored for her lifetime of contributions to Israeli theater. Her iconic dramatic performances over several decades have captivated audiences nationwide, establishing her as one of the most respected figures in modern cultural history.
In music and literature, President Herzog honored producer and educator Yehuda Eder, founder and president of the Rimon School of Music. Eder was praised for establishing a landmark institution that has cultivated generations of top musical talent. Additionally, acclaimed author Rabbi Haim Sabato was recognized for his rich literary repertoire, which seamlessly weaves traditional rabbinic wisdom with nuanced contemporary Israeli prose.
Completing the roster of 11 distinguished recipients was former cabinet minister Moshe Nissim, who was recognized for his decades of exemplary public service and legislative governance. Public records document his extensive career across multiple government ministries, where he crafted key economic policies and legislative reforms that significantly bolstered state governance and financial stability during critical historical turning points.
Presidential Call for Unity Amid Domestic Politics
Addressing the assembled audience of honorees, foreign diplomats, and state officials, President Herzog delivered a stirring speech centered on national cohesion. He described the medal recipients as luminous beacons whose individual perseverance illustrates the boundless potential of civil society. Herzog asserted that the honorees' collective achievements project a powerful narrative of resilience and intellectual leadership to the international community.
Pivoting to current domestic affairs, President Herzog issued an urgent plea for political moderation during heated electoral cycles. He cautioned the nation against allowing political disagreements to fracture core societal bonds. Reminding citizens of their shared destiny, Herzog stressed that democratic elections must never be treated as civil conflicts, emphasizing that national unity remains paramount once the political process concludes.
Originally instituted in 2012 by former President Shimon Peres, the Presidential Medal of Honor remains the highest civilian decoration conferred by the Israeli head of state. Modeled after prestigious international presidential awards, the honor recognizes domestic and foreign figures who have made extraordinary contributions to humanity, statehood, or global progress, serving as a testament to civil achievement amidst broader geopolitical challenges.