Israeli President Isaac Herzog presented the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor to seven Jewish and non-Jewish leaders from around the world in a special ceremony at the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem, in recognition of their long-standing contributions to the State of Israel and the Jewish people.
In the context of the ongoing conflict, the President selected these leaders for their unwavering commitment to Israel and their exceptional support for the Jewish people over decades of efforts, particularly since the atrocities of October 7.
The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor is awarded by the President of the State of Israel to those who through their talents, service or any other means, have made an outstanding contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity. This medal was an initiative of Israel's ninth president, the late Shimon Peres, and was first awarded in 2012.
The recipients of the medal this afternoon were Maurice Lévy (France), Malcolm Hoenlein (USA), Julie Platt (USA), Sir Frank Lowy (Australia and Israel), Sir Trevor Chinn (United Kingdom), Brigitte Zypries (Germany), Mark Leibler ( Australia).
President Herzog addressed the ceremony, noting that “Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honor is awarded to distinguished individuals from Israel and around the world who have made extraordinary contributions to Israel and the Jewish people. It is an opportunity to pause, to recognize the unthinkable hardships we have overcome and the magnificent path we have traveled so far, thanks to role models like the men and women we honor tonight. And now, more than ever.” For as we speak, a war that was forced upon us continues to disrupt our lives on multiple fronts, with enormous pain and pride. For as we speak, 99 sisters and brothers, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, remain held in brutal captivity in Gaza. They have not seen the light of day, not a glimmer of hope, in 460 days. Because as we speak, Jews around the world are being attacked and insulted; diaspora communities are being targeted, anti-Semitism is more prevalent than ever. Because the world’s only Jewish state is demonized and delegitimized, and our social cohesion is being challenged.”
Herzog emphasized that “I believe in the people of Israel, I believe in the State of Israel and I believe in the eternity of Israel. That is why this particular period of unprecedented upheaval and challenges of historic proportions is precisely the time to applaud those who light our way. You have all made a career out of speaking truth to power, working behind the scenes and resisting public criticism, consciously taking risks on behalf of Israel, and working tirelessly to improve our country and strengthen our nation.”
Speaking on behalf of the laureates, Julie Platt said: “I know that each of us has been enriched beyond measure by the opportunity to lead, to support Israel, of course, since October 7, but for all of us, in fact, decades of love and devotion to Am Israel. President Herzog, thank you for extending this award to those of us in the Diaspora; it reflects my second sentiment, that we are all one people. We feel the pain of a Jew in Ukraine, Montreal, Crown Heights, just as we feel the pain of a Jew in Be'eri, Metula, or Hostage Square. And we feel the joy of a celebration of our heritage in every corner of this world as if it were in our own backyard.".
Details of the medal recipients:
- Maurice Lévy (France): Born in Morocco, Lévy has fostered long-lasting commercial, social and political ties between France and Israel. He is known for his staunch support for Israel and for combating anti-Semitism throughout Europe. Lévy ensured Israel's representation at prestigious global platforms and other international forums. He has been honored as a Commander of the French Legion of Honor and a Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit.
- Malcolm Hoenlein (USA): Malcolm Hoenlein served for decades as the leading figure in the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, representing more than 50 Jewish organizations across the United States. He has been a key figure in strengthening U.S.-Israel relations, advocating for Israel's security and Jewish unity, and garnering support for Israel among world leaders.
- Julie Platt (USA): Julie Platt currently serves as President of the Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA), which leads the largest Jewish community outside of Israel. She has worked tirelessly to significantly strengthen ties between the North American Jewish community and the State of Israel, with a strong focus on fostering Jewish identity among Jewish children and youth in the U.S. She has been a long-time supporter of Israel and the Jewish community in the U.S. and around the world, actively defending Israel’s name in the aftermath of October 7, in various forums including as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, advocating for the safety of Jewish students and for Israel’s right to self-defense.
- Sir Frank Lowy (Australia and Israel): A Czechoslovakian-born Holocaust survivor who fought in Israel’s War of Independence in 1948, Sir Frank Lowy is a prominent philanthropist who has greatly influenced ties between Israel and Australia, supported the Jewish community in Australia, and promoted the well-being of Israeli society in the fields of health, education and social welfare, especially. His influence is also evident in the fostering of Israel-Australia relations and support for vital Israeli initiatives, most recently the National Library in Jerusalem.
- Sir Trevor Chinn (UK): Sir Trevor Chinn has been one of the most prominent leaders of British Jewry for many decades. He has served, among other roles, as Chairman of the Joint Israel Appeal (now UJIA) and Founder of the Britain-Israel Research and Communications Centre (BICOM). He has worked tirelessly to strengthen relations between Israel and the UK and to support Jewish communities in both countries, ensuring their security and defending Israel's name in the UK's political, diplomatic and public spheres.
- Brigitte Zypries (Germany) – Former German Minister of Economic Affairs and Justice, Brigitte Zypries has long been a leading political figure and chair of the Israel-Germany Association. She has contributed greatly to strengthening ties between Germany and Israel, and between Israel and Europe, primarily through legal, economic and cultural cooperation. She has worked to consolidate Israel’s status in Europe and defend its reputation in the face of anti-Semitism and boycotts against Israel.
- Mark Leibler (Australia) – Mark Leibler is a prominent lawyer and leader of the Jewish community in Australia who has worked extensively on human rights, Israel and the Jewish community in the country. For decades, he has been a central figure on the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Hayesod, working to promote friendship between Australia and Israel, combat anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiments, defend Israel’s reputation, fight boycotts and support the Jewish community in Australia.