This year’s Applebaum Prize was dedicated to honoring outstanding paramedics serving in the IDF reserves and Israel’s security forces. The event took place today (Sunday) in Jerusalem, where President Isaac Herzog addressed those in attendance.
“To what level of madness can we descend as a nation?”
In his speech, the president addressed the alarming statements made last week about a potential civil war. Speaking to a room filled with people who had saved lives during the Swords of Iron war, Herzog said:
“I find myself asking in recent days—to what level of madness can we descend as a nation? When people grab each other by the throat, using horrific actions and gutter language, just to prove they would gouge out the eyes of their own comrades—people who just a day or two ago stood with them in battle.”
“I know there is a silent majority in the people of Israel that refuses to accept this dark spirit. They believe in something better. They reject division, infighting, shouting, and chaos. They want the people of Israel to remain united, especially when we face truly terrifying enemies from without.”
“Before they say anything—they must ask whether it harms national strength”
President Herzog emphasized that three basic rules must guide our public discourse, directing his words particularly to elected officials.
“Before they say or decide anything—they must ask themselves whether it further harms our national resilience,” he said.
The president then outlined the three principles:
“The first, stated clearly and firmly—there is and will not be a civil war, and no one should speak of civil war.”
“The second—there is and will not be any violation of the law.”
“And finally—there is and will not be any defiance of court rulings.”
“Otherwise, we will dismantle our own country—and there is nothing more sacred than our country, for which our sons and daughters, with supreme courage, went out to fight and are still fighting—just like you. I want to thank you and wish you never know war again, and only receive good news. Thank you for your bravery and for all that you do. Wishing you great success, and that this Passover brings tidings of unity for the people of Israel.”
