In a ceremony held in the President’s Residence in Yerushalayim, the Presidential Decoration was bestowed upon six citizens by President Shimon Peres.

The awards ceremony was held on Thursday, erev Rosh Chodesh Adar 1 5774 at which time the Presidential Decoration for 5773 was given to the recipients.

Mr. Peres stated “Am Yisrael is proud of you. You are proof that you can believe and dream big, and sometimes reality exceeds the biggest dreams. The Presidential Decoration comes to highlight the sparks of inspiration and I believe you serve as an example to many others to foster that which is inherent in man, to encourage the younger generation to use its talents for the State of Israel and the world. On behalf of the state, upon those who deserve profound recognition, you, I bestow this fitting award upon you with deepest esteem.”

The recipients;

1. Migdal HaEmek Chief Rabbi Dovid Yitzchok Grossman Shlita

2. Ezra L’Marpeh founder Rabbi Avraham Elimelech Firer

3. Yad Vashem Chairman Prof. Avner Shalev

4. IDF Brigadier-General (retired) Avigdor Kahalani

5. Ms. Leah Van Leer

6. Israel Prize Recipient Dr. Tvi (Harry) Tabor

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)