Presidential Medal of Honor (formerly called "President's Award")

The President's Award is an award conferred by the President of the State of Israel on individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity, through their talents, services, or in any other form.

The object of the award is to enable the President of Israel to express his appreciation and esteem to deserving individuals, and at the same time, use this award as a means to motivate others to contribute their talents and efforts for the well-being of the State of Israel and to improve the world.

The President's Award will be presented to a candidate who meets at least one of the following criteria:

A. A candidate who has made a unique contribution to the State of Israel, or to improving the world, or has made a mark on society in an area relating to his/her activities or achievements.

B. A candidate who has enhanced the prestige of the State of Israel and significantly contributed to its image in the world.

C. A candidate who serves as a model and example in entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity and vision.
The contribution can be in the form of a single deed or ongoing activity.
Working alongside the President will be an advisory committee that will present the President with appropriate nominees for the President's Award.

Every citizen of the State of Israel and every organization operating in Israel can present their candidacy or nominate others for the President's Award. The President's Award is open to citizens and non-citizens of Israel alike.

Nominations must be supported by a detailed explanation and documentation corroborating the reasons for suggesting the nominee. The application must be accompanied by at least four supporting recommendations.

Application must be submitted according to the form appearing on the link below:

President Award Regulations
President Award Appendix

Source: http://www.president.gov.il/About/Pages/presidentawardofdistinction.aspx

The first decoration was designed by Yossi Matityahu and consists of a round gold medallion, on which is a combination of the Small Bear topped by the North Star and the symbol of the Menorah. At the top is the inscription Decoration of the President of the State of Israel and at the bottom "From his shoulder and upward" (1 Samuel 9:2).

In 2023, in honor of the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel, the President's Office issued a call for a redesign of the President's Medal. The chosen design of the medal, by artist Sari Sarolovich, is shaped like a convex gold disc, with the Hebrew letters A-B in Rashi script cut out on both sides in a way that allows light to pass through the cuts of the letters. Light is an element that runs like a thread through representations of human, Jewish, and Israeli culture. The Menorah symbol is engraved on the back of the medal.

Israeli President Shimon Peres awarded President Barack Obama the Presidential medal of distinction

President Peres and former president Yitzhak Navon during the award ceremony.

President Shimon Peres announces unveils presidential award of distinction Friday February 10, 2012 New national order awarded to individuals and organizations for unique and outstanding contributions to Israeli society and Israel's international image. President Peres (center) alongside former top judge Meir Shamgar (right) and President Yitzhak Navon, Thursday. Source:http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=3059