Herzog Awards Argentina's President Javier Milei Israel's Highest Honor

President Isaac Herzog today (Monday) awarded the "President's Medal of Honor" to Argentina's President Javier Milei. The medal was given to the visiting president "for his consistent and public commitment to the State of Israel since taking office in 2023".

In the rationale for awarding the decoration, considered the highest honor bestowed in Israel, it was stated that the Argentine president demonstrates unequivocal support on the international stage, stood alongside the families of the hostages, and expresses a deep connection to the Jewish people and its tradition. "Through his policies, he has positioned Argentina as a central ally of Israel, including via clear diplomatic and security steps and his declaration to move the embassy to Jerusalem—which reflect a deep commitment to Israel's security and its international standing."

President Herzog said at the ceremony: "My friend, President Javier Milei, a true friend of the State of Israel—Michal and I are happy to host you at the President's Residence; welcome. We are just hours away from the arrival of the solemn national days on the Israeli calendar. This evening, with awe and trembling, we will stand alongside the bereaved families, to weep and remember our fallen; and tomorrow night, we will all go out to celebrate seventy-eight years of independence—the great wonder called \"the State of Israel.\" This is the Israeli story: sorrow, joy, and pride, intertwined. On behalf of the people in Israel, who tonight will bow their heads and the day after tomorrow will raise their flag with pride, I say simply—we love you, and we embrace you upon your arrival."

"Mr. President, it is no secret that my term as president, as well as yours, has unfolded during a period of great upheaval and dramatic change for Israel, for the Jewish people, and for the entire world. One such moment we shared together—in February 2024, just months after the October 7 massacre—when you made your first official visit as Argentina's president, here in Israel."

"On the grounds of Kibbutz Nir Oz, with evidence of destruction and terror around us—bloodstains that marked the earth and the remnants of fire that scorched the land—we stood together, shoulder to shoulder, looked the kibbutz families in the eye, and promised: this kibbutz will flourish again. In those darkest moments, we remembered a truth that always holds: the Jewish people, the Israeli people, will rise and rebuild. And we shared another truth: the Jewish people are not alone. The State of Israel is not alone. We have allies and we have friends—you, Javier, through your actions and your words, proved your friendship and sent a message of showing up in body, in spirit, and in heart."

Herzog added: "So it was as well when you announced your visit during the war with Iran. You said, \"Here I am.\" And the people of Israel will never forget it. Your message crossed borders and resonated across generations—a message of morality and humanity, of a steadfast moral compass, of recognizing the depth of the pain and extending comfort—of speaking out precisely when silence would be easier, of standing tall rather than disappearing into the crowd. In the words of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel: \"To be is to stand for.\""

"The significance of your bond with our people goes beyond the personal. As president of Argentina, you are leading a courageous policy and strengthening cooperation between our countries for the benefit of both our peoples. Together, we are harnessing our best capabilities to advance innovation, science, and boundless human creativity for health, prosperity, and well-being."

Herzog concluded: "It is a great honor for me to stand here as the President of the State of Israel in its 78th year and present you with the President's Medal of Honor. It is a symbol of our gratitude and appreciation for you, a symbol of the strong and deep friendship between us, a symbol of the courage and moral clarity you have shown, and a symbol of our shared humanity, shared values, and shared vision for a better future. On behalf of the State of Israel, on behalf of the citizens of Israel, and on behalf of all of history that stands behind us, I hereby award you the President's Medal of the State of Israel."

Argentina's President Javier Milei responded: "I would like to thank President Herzog for the decoration bestowed upon me. I feel greatly honored to receive it, yet another warm gesture from the people in Israel, who welcome me on every visit with their characteristic love. Alongside the honor I feel at this recognition, I also welcome the steadily growing strengthening of the ties between our peoples."

"I welcome the strengthening of this friendship, which has always been one of the pillars of our government's foreign policy, as part of a return to the foundational values of Judaism and Christianity that we share. Argentina and Israel represent, each in its own way, the goal of keeping the flame of liberty alive in a world where darkness now hovers over peoples who once knew freedom."

"For as Moses said to the people of Israel: \"Choose life\"—between life and death, between blessing and curse. Therefore, we ask that the friendship between Argentina and Israel stand the test of time. First, for what it represents for our two peoples who share common values, heritage, and a vision for a better future. And above all, as a symbol that even in the darkest times, good ultimately prevails over evil, so long as we remain united. May Hashem bless Israel. May Hashem bless Argentina."