The President's Outstanding Achievement Ceremony for the 78th Independence Day of the State of Israel was recorded this week at the President's Residence in Jerusalem - and broadcast today (Wednesday).
During the ceremony, the President of the State awarded certificates of merit and pins to 120 outstanding officers and soldiers from all IDF units.
The honorees received the title of President's Honorees for their striving for excellence, demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and responsibility, as well as for their extensive work, which serves as an example and role model for the entire IDF.
The ceremony was held in the presence of President Yitzhak Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, and with the participation of Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, the General Staff Forum, and the families of the honorees.
This is the third year that the ceremony was held in the shadow of combat, in which all the outstanding individuals take a significant part in their various roles.
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Of the 120 President's Distinguished Service Members, 69 are men and 51 are women, with 18 serving as officers. In addition, 67 of the Distinguished Service Members serve as combatants, two serve as combat support personnel, and 51 in rear-end roles.
The Soldier's Welfare Association, with the generous donation of the Ruben Foundation, awarded scholarships to outstanding soldiers.
Within this framework, each outstanding soldier received a financial scholarship and an iPad, which were intended to assist him in his studies after his release from the IDF.
President of the State, Isaac Herzog: ""It's hard to remember another time when our outstanding soldiers were soldiers who spent most of their service in war. An outstanding soldier in a normal year surpasses everyone, during a war he does so under fire. Outstanding soldiers in a normal year fight on the front lines, during a war they do so behind enemy lines. Outstanding soldiers in a normal year, learn from the battles of the past, but you fight the battles that future generations will learn about. We all grew up on stories of heroism, but this generation surpasses everyone.
""On this occasion, I would like to send a strong hug and wishes for a full recovery and speedy recovery, to all the wounded men and women, both physically and mentally, true heroes, they and their families.".
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir: ""One hundred and twenty outstanding men and women standing here, representing the 'planters' and 'harvesters' for our entire country, work for Israel's security day and night, and ensure the circle of life and security for all Israeli citizens.".
""Dear audience, look at this magnificent human mosaic - one hundred and twenty stories of dedication; of action out of a deep sense of mission, of partnership at the core of our operational activities. Our outstanding people came from all corners of the world and all corners of our special country: new immigrants who chose to tie their fate to this people and country, and lone soldiers who turned us all into one big family.
""Today we celebrate 78 years of Israeli independence. 78 years of building, planting and creating. These are very complex days for celebrations. At this time we celebrate you, our excellent soldiers, our warriors deployed in all sectors and sacrificing their lives constantly and with endless dedication to the mission of security.
""At this very moment, we are conducting intense fighting in Lebanon to strengthen the defense of the northern settlements. The same is true of the fighting in Iran in 'Am Kalavi' and 'Roar of the Lion.' At this moment, the IDF is maintaining high alertness and readiness and is prepared to immediately and powerfully return to fighting in all sectors. These prolonged years of fighting have reshaped Israel's security and strengthened our existence in the region.".
""Behind these unprecedented achievements that we have achieved in fighting on every front, there are faces and names. Some of them stand here in front of you today, some will pass you by on the street, and you will probably not know how deep and wonderful their sacrifice and dedication were for all of us - for a life of prosperity and growth here in the State of Israel, for the eternity of Israel.".
