President Herzog Honors Civilian Heroes for Acts of Bravery During Crisis

In a moving ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, President Isaac Herzog awarded the first-ever President’s Award for Civilian Heroism to a group of Israelis who risked their lives during the October 7 attacks. Each honoree demonstrated extraordinary courage by coming to the aid of fellow citizens along the Gaza border, many sacrificing their lives or facing great danger to save others.

The award ceremony, held outdoors on a cold Jerusalem night, featured dramatic lighting and imagery that evoked the chaos and devastation these heroes encountered. Despite the somber atmosphere, the stories shared were inspiring. Honorees included men and women of all backgrounds Jewish, Muslim, Bedouin united by a shared commitment to help those in need. “The values we grew up with guided our actions,” said one recipient, reflecting a common sentiment among the honorees who saw their actions as simply “the right thing to do.”

Among those recognized were the four Bedouin Kirinawi cousins from Rahat, who saved between 30 and 40 people while risking their lives driving back and forth to safety. Another honoree, Nirit Hunwald-Kornfeld, spoke about the sacrifice of her friends Amit Man and Dr. Daniel Levy, who joined her in helping the wounded but were tragically killed during the attack.

The award, a framed citation and a custom-designed statuette, was presented by President Herzog in a ceremony attended by both bereaved family members and survivors. Each honoree’s story was shared through emotional video segments, capturing their bravery and resilience. In her remarks, Hunwald-Kornfeld honored her late friends, saying, “Not a day passes without thinking of them and how they died.”

President Herzog initiated the award after hearing countless stories of courage during his visits to affected communities, pledging that this award will continue to honor civilian heroes in the future. Elyakim Rubinstein, a retired Supreme Court Justice, headed the advisory committee for the award, which included Jewish and Arab members.

The evening began with a powerful performance by singer Rita, whose haunting rendition in soft tones reflected the nation’s grief. The ceremony underscored the collective strength and unity of Israelis from all backgrounds, who, in moments of crisis, came together to protect and uplift one another.

For updates on Israel’s community and national resilience efforts, share this article or subscribe to our newsletter.