President Isaac Herzog on Sunday announced a list of 15 people, including five victims of the October 7 massacre, who will receive the President’s Medal for Civilian Heroism.
The medal was established by Herzog after the October 7 massacre in recognition of Israeli citizens’ “acts of heroism” that were revealed since the war began.
The ceremony will be held at the President’s Residence on September 4, 2025.
Everyday acts of heroism from October 7 and beyond
Among the recipients, many of whom assisted in fighting Hamas terrorists, is Malham As'ad, a Druze-Israeli who assisted Jewish Maccabi fans during the violent attacks in Amsterdam in November.
Additionally, Yuval Kestelmen, who assisted in neutralizing two Hamas terrorists in a 2023 attack and was killed by friendly fire, will receive a posthumous award alongside the October 7 victims.
This is Herzog’s second year awarding what he has called “the highest civilian valor award."Last year, he stated that that the ceremony would continue to be conferred by him and future presidents.