The President’s Excellence Award Ceremony

Being awarded the President’s Award for excellence is no small feat. Those who strive for excellence, dedication and professionalism not only serve as an example of the IDF, but are personally picked every year to receive the President’s Excellence Award. 

On Wednesday April 26, 2023, the ceremony took place at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. During the ceremony, the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog, awarded 120 outstanding soldiers and officers from various IDF units with certificates and pins. Among the 120 who were awarded the President’s Excellence Award, 67 were men and 53 were women, with 19 of them serving as officers.

Every honoree will also be awarded a scholarship for an academic degree following their release from the IDF.

Some of the important attendees included: The President of the State of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog, Israel’s Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Minister of Defense, Mr. Yoav Gallant and with the participation of IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Herzi Halevi, additional members of the General Staff and the families of the award recipients.

We had the chance to learn more about these soldiers and what has enabled them to stand out throughout their service. Meet SGT Daniel Keidar, 2Lt. Noam Skori and SGT Rais Abu Rabia.

SGT Daniel Keidar

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Reading, traveling, meeting up with friends and practicing sign language.

Q: What do you do in your unit? 

A: Right after I finished training, I went to the IDF Commander's Course and was assigned as a commander in the meteorology field. During my service, we received the Metmar 10––a new meteorological system for the battalion. I was responsible for its signal as well as maintaining the old system.

1LT Noam Skori

Q: What brings meaning to your day-to-day in your service?

A: I feel very significant in my role as I'm the right hand of the Brigade Commander and a source of knowledge. 

Q:  Tell us about your army service so far.

A: I was the outstanding soldier during my basic training and then went on to serve as an operations sergeant, serving in the northern Brigade during Operation Guardian of the Walls. I then became in charge of the shifts and now serve as a situation room officer in the Paran Brigade. In addition, I help my soldiers, which is very important to me.

SGT Rais Abu Rabia 

Q: What do you do in your unit? 

A: I serve as a sniper and medic in the Bedouin Reconnaissance Battalion. 

Q: What is something interesting about you and your job?

A: I am married and am a father of three. I have two sons and a daughter. I enlisted in April 2021 and during Operation Breaking Dawn, I was blocking roads and guarding the southern border.

To conclude the award ceremony, both the President of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog and Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi had inspiring words to share with the audience:

President of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog: 

“I am proud of each of you and want to wish you well done! Even nowadays, we must remember—the spectacular Israeli mosaic, which consists of many voices, opinions and perspectives, is not a weakness. Israel’s wonderful diversity includes Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze and Circassians, religious, secular, traditional and ultra-Orthodox, veterans and immigrants, from every lifestyle. This is our unique strength and our miracle. You, the 120 honorees on this stage, are 120 outstanding  examples of light and hope. The IDF is the people's army. Continue to strive and succeed. Happy Independence Day!"

IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Herzi Halevi: 

"This year the IDF is celebrating its 75 Birthday. I think we should look back, and take note of two things. One, is the pioneering decision to establish the IDF as the people's army where everyone serves equally. It is true that there's been an ongoing discussion, since the establishment of the State of Israel, regarding what it means for everyone to serve. It is important to note that the IDF wants to integrate as many parts of Israeli society. The second thing that should be noted is the IDF’s central mission. The IDF protects Israel and its civilians. But just as importantly, it is very crucial socially. It connects every part of the nation and strengthens us where necessary.”