Trump Receives Invitation to Jerusalem for Historic Israel Prize

In a momentous gesture of gratitude and recognition, the State of Israel has officially invited former U.S. President Donald J. Trump to travel to Jerusalem this spring to receive the Israel Prize its most prestigious national award.

The invitation, dated February 10 and signed by Education Minister Yoav Kisch, describes the award as a “Lifetime Special Contribution to the State of Israel and the Jewish People.” It praises Trump’s “exceptional leadership” and highlights his historic role in reshaping Israel–U.S. relations. The ceremony is scheduled for April 22, as part of Israel’s 78th Independence Day celebrations.

“You are invited with great respect and deep appreciation,” the letter reads. “Your presence in Jerusalem to personally receive the Israel Prize would be a moment of profound significance for the people of Israel.” U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee was also included in the official correspondence.

This marks the first time in the award’s history that the Israel Prize will be given to a non-Israeli a decision first announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in December. Netanyahu stated at the time that the prize reflects the “overwhelming sentiment” of the Israeli people, honoring Trump’s unmatched record of support for the Jewish state.

Trump’s administration spearheaded some of the most consequential pro-Israel moves in decades: the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the relocation of the U.S. Embassy, formal recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and the historic Abraham Accords that normalized relations between Israel and multiple Arab states.

To commemorate the occasion, Trump is expected to receive a custom-designed statuette by Israeli artist Ben Dror, a 24-year-old IDF reservist who has served over 600 days since the outbreak of war. The sculpture, modeled on the stones of the Western Wall and crowned with a golden Star of David, was crafted to embody Israel’s spirit of strength and future hope.

In addition to the prize ceremony, officials are considering inviting Trump to light one of the ceremonial torches at the national Independence Day celebration a rare honor typically reserved for individuals who symbolize the values and resilience of the state.

If accepted, Trump’s visit would represent not only a historic milestone for the Israel Prize but a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring alliance between Israel and the United States at a time of significant geopolitical tension.

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