President Isaac Herzog officially opened the Outstanding Soldiers Ceremony this morning (Thursday) at the President’s Residence in honor of Israel’s 77th Independence Day. The event began with a ceremonial flyover featuring formations of fighter jets and helicopters from the Israeli Air Force, saluting the 120 outstanding soldiers representing every branch of the Israel Defense Forces.
In his opening remarks, Herzog referred to a banner seen during protests at Hamas hostage release events, which declared “Zionism will not prevail.”
The president replied firmly: “Zionism will prevail. Israel will prevail.”
At the start of the ceremony, the president addressed the flyover pilots over the radio, saying:
“Soldiers and commanders of the Israel Defense Forces—in the air, at sea, and on land—I speak on behalf of the people of Israel to strengthen you and thank you. Your determination and heroism are the hope and future of our nation. With gratitude and salute.”
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“You are the proof of a strong, principled generation that believes in the country”
Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, also addressed the ceremony and emphasized the honorees’ role as the moral backbone of both the IDF and Israeli society.
“Excellence isn’t measured by talent or one dramatic moment,” he said. “It is shown by those who persevere, who take responsibility day after day, and who act with integrity—even when no one is watching.”
Zamir added that a true outstanding soldier is one “who lifts a comrade before lifting themselves.”
The Chief of Staff also spoke to the symbolism of honoring soldiers during a year of war:
“You are receiving recognition in the midst of a long and complex war. When I look at you today, I see a promise—the promise of the IDF’s strength, and our capacity to meet any challenge.”
He went on to share personal stories of soldiers who had faced grief, injury, abduction, and even family tragedy, saying: “You are all part of the ongoing story of the people of Israel—a living human mosaic of strength and resolve.”
“Sovereignty was not handed to us as a gift—and it comes with responsibility”
Delivering a clear message about the future of the war, Zamir declared:
“The IDF is ready and prepared to deal Hamas a decisive blow. We will use all the power at our disposal, intensify the pace and force of our actions—and if necessary, we will do so soon.”
He concluded with a unifying call:
“From this place, in the heart of Jerusalem, we send a clear message—Israeli hope is alive and beating, and our actions will speak for us.”
Ceremony Held Under Operational Security Restrictions
This year’s traditional ceremony, in which 120 outstanding male and female soldiers receive the President’s Award, is being held under strict IDF operational security rules, without revealing the faces or names of the honorees. Accordingly, the certificate presentation will take place immediately after the main event, in the presence of the soldiers’ families only.
The ceremony will be hosted by Guy Zo-Aretz and Hadar Marks, and will feature performances of Israeli songs centered on themes of hope and the longing for the return of the hostages. Artists performing include Odaya Azulay and Daniel Weiss, Ishay Ribo, Teapacks, Shai Hambar, and “M,” an undercover special forces operator.
The event will begin with President Herzog and Chief of Staff Zamir reviewing the line of honorees before continuing on to the central stage.
