The Chaim Herzog Award for Outstanding Contribution to the State of Israel, presented by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in cooperation with the Yad Chaim Herzog Association, was awarded today in a festive ceremony at the President’s Residence to Yael Arad — Chairwoman of the Israeli Olympic Committee, member of the International Olympic Committee, and the first Israeli athlete to win an Olympic medal.
Title image, left to right: Prof. Menahem Ben Sasson, President Isaac Herzog President, Yael Arad, Prof. Tamir Sheafer
Yael Arad made history at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when she won Israel’s first-ever Olympic medal in judo, dedicating her achievement to the memory of the 11 Israeli athletes murdered at the Munich Olympics. Arad embodies excellence, determination, leadership, humility, and public service. Throughout her personal and professional life, she has devoted herself to advancing sports in Israel and has become a role model for generations of Israeli athletes.
Over the years, Arad has also built a successful career in the business world, specializing in entrepreneurship, business development, and marketing strategy, while continuing to demonstrate exceptional leadership and resilience.
The Chaim Herzog Award is presented every two years by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in collaboration with the Yad Chaim Herzog Association, marking the anniversary of the passing of Israel’s sixth President, Chaim Herzog. This year’s ceremony, which is traditionally held in conjunction with that anniversary, was postponed due to the Iron Swords War. The ceremony took place at the President’s Residence in the presence of President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog, Hebrew University President Prof. Tamir Shefer, and University Chancellor Prof Menahem Ben-Sasson.
Sports were among the fields closest to President Chaim Herzog’s heart throughout his life. In his youth in Ireland, he won the Maccabi Dublin Championship and the Irish Youth Boxing Championship, and also played cricket and rugby. Later in life, he became an amateur sailor, and the annual “Chaim Herzog Regatta” continues to be held in his memory in Herzliya.
President Isaac Herzog said: “I am deeply proud that the award named after my father, the late Chaim Herzog (z”l), is being presented to Yael Arad, who has broken every glass ceiling, from winning Israel’s first Olympic medal to leading the Israeli Olympic Committee with distinction. My father was an avid sports enthusiast who viewed sports as a means of social advancement, achievement, and human potential. As President, he saw sports as a powerful tool for strengthening Israel’s standing in the world. He proudly sent Yael to the Olympics and welcomed her home with Israel’s first Olympic medal.”
Prof Tamir Sheafer, President of the Hebrew University, stated: “The partnership between the Yad Chaim Herzog Association and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is no coincidence. Both institutions share a deep commitment to leadership, excellence, public service, and advancing Israeli society. Since its founding more than a century ago, the Hebrew University has sought not only to be Israel’s first university, but also to lead in scientific research, education, and the cultivation of future generations of leaders. It is therefore especially fitting that we honor Yael Arad, who embodies these values so powerfully. Beyond her extraordinary accomplishments in sport, business, and public life, Yael is a member of the Hebrew University’s Board of Governors, contributing to the advancement of science, higher education, and academic excellence in Israel. She represents a rare combination of determination and excellence. As a true pioneer, she has demonstrated exceptional perseverance, mental strength, leadership, and managerial ability throughout her career. Together with the Yad Chaim Herzog Association, we are proud to present her with this prestigious award.”
Yael Arad, Chairwoman of the Israeli Olympic Committee and member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said: “Israel’s sixth President, Chaim Herzog z”l, a fighter in Israel’s wars and a distinguished military leader, served as a model of leadership, dedication, and commitment to the State of Israel. Joining the remarkable list of previous recipients of this award is a tremendous honor for me. In 1992, after winning the Olympic medal, President Herzog congratulated us on our achievement and welcomed us home. For me, receiving this award today from his son, President Isaac Herzog, alongside First Lady Michal Herzog, who have supported me through many international challenges in recent years, is an especially moving closing of the circle.”