It has been around for many years, having been established in 1974 by President Ephraim Katzir.
The Israeli President’s Volunteer Awards include both organizations and individuals.
The 2025/5785 award ceremony was held in the gardens at Beit Hanasi, the President’s residence.
A dairy buffet and comfortable weather added to Monday evening’s pleasant program.
The main hall was ready for official photos with the President after the ceremony.
The yellow chair was outside, as with all recent Beit Hanasi events, to remember the hostages.
I arrived early and went to sit down inside to wait and get a photo of the new artwork on display.
These new pieces are different from before the room was remodeled.
The room was not empty for long, as the awardees arrived, different this time – dogs with their humans.
There were more award winners this year than in past years.
Certainly, many more dogs than before.
President and Michal Herzog entered and greeted the awardees seated in the front row.
The audience saw short videos highlighting the winners’ impressive accomplishments.
Each individual was called up to receive the award for their achievements and pose for a photo.
My favorite was 91-year-old former teacher, Louisa Bergman, whose smile was so bright.
It was good to be back at Beit Hanasi and share some of the good news that gets little notice.
The protests are growing and becoming more violent. The media is looking for the negative stories.
This was the scene of the dumpster and car fire the day after. Notice how the speed sign was burnt.
The clever experts do not predict what will happen next.
I decided to end with a prayer for the safety and good health of the defense forces and all.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Thank you for this timely reminder of the good that good people do! I just loved the dogs!
Thanks. Exactly they are support dogs, not one bark only feel good vibes.
Dear Sharon,
Thank you for letting me look through your eyes and your camera lense… looks like a beautiful event, elegantly designed setting and the yellow chair… đŸ’› Praying for the delivery of all who are held hostage… literally in tunnels, in dark places, but also in limiting belief systems, in dark recesses of our own minds. You show us things of beauty…. reminders through light! Thank you, Sharon!
Thank you Wanda! You do not know how timely and important this positive comment is greatly appreciated.
Beautiful photos! Those must be working dogs…of a sort! They are beautiful, and I am all for having animals around, because I love animals and nature! Fantastic post, thank you so much for sharing.
Warm greetings from a retired lady living in Montreal, Canada. đŸ™‚
Thank you Linda – the SOS-Dogs seem to have made a comforting improvement to many lives.
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