President’s Outstanding Soldier Awards Ceremony to Be Held Without Live Broadcast for Security Reasons
Unprecedented Decision Amid Security Concerns
In an unprecedented move, the annual ceremony for the President’s Outstanding Soldiers awards will not be broadcast live, citing security concerns as per the new exposure protocols established by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This year’s event, which will take place on the 77th Independence Day of Israel, scheduled for Thursday, May 1, at 9:30 AM at the Presidential Residence, will be held exclusively for the families of the honorees.
Ceremony Details
President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog will host the traditional event, where awards will be presented to 120 distinguished soldiers. This year marks the first time in Israel’s history that the ceremony will not be publicly streamed. The decision to limit the event to family members only was made to ensure the security and privacy of the soldiers being honored.
The ceremony will commence with remarks from President Herzog and Chief of Staff, highlighting the achievements of the outstanding recipients, before transitioning to the main program.
Artistic Performances and Commemorations
The central part of the event will feature performances by Israeli artists including Ishay Ribo, who will be joined by singers Odia Azulai and Daniel Weiss, who is particularly recognized for his poignant duet following the loss of his parents during the tragic events of October 7. The ensemble will include an uplifting musical arrangement by the band Tippex, aiming to promote hope and anticipation for the return of hostages.
Throughout the ceremony, there will be moments of prayer and calls for action regarding the return of the remaining 59 hostages held by Hamas, reflecting a commitment to their safe return.
Inspirational Conversations and Security Protocols
In addition to the awards, the event will include discussions with inspiring Israelis committed to improving Israeli society, using their experiences of pain to fuel positive action and transformation.
For security reasons dictated by the IDF, the names of the 120 honored soldiers will not be disclosed this year, a decision aligned with operational considerations to protect both operational security and personal safety. Media present will be instructed to avoid capturing identifiable images of soldiers, adhering to strict policies for the protection of their identities.
With these changes, the ceremony represents a significant adaptation to current security realities while still honoring the vital contributions of Israel’s military personnel