Israel’s first Olympic medalist, Yael Arad, was awarded the Chaim Herzog Presidential Award for Unique Contribution to the State of Israel at a ceremony held last week at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
The award, presented by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in cooperation with the Yad Chaim Herzog Foundation, recognizes individuals for their unique contribution to the State of Israel.
Arad, who serves as Chair of the Olympic Committee of Israel and is a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), received the honor in the presence of President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog, Hebrew University President Prof. Tamir Shafer, and University Chancellor Prof. Menachem Ben-Sasson.
Arad made history in 1992 when she became the first Israeli to win an Olympic medal, claiming silver in judo at the Barcelona Olympics. She dedicated the achievement to the memory of the 11 Israeli athletes murdered at the Munich Olympics. Since then, she has become a leading figure in Israeli sport, dedicating her personal and professional life to advancing athletics in Israel while serving as a role model for generations of athletes.
Alongside her sporting achievements, she developed a business career specializing in entrepreneurship, business development, and marketing strategy.
Arad receives Chaim Herzog Award for breaking glass cieling
The Chaim Herzog Award, which was postponed this year because of Operation Rising Lion, is presented every two years on the anniversary of the passing of Israel’s sixth president, Chaim Herzog.
Sports was one of the fields closest to Herzog’s heart. During his youth in Ireland, he won the Maccabi Dublin championship title 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 Sailing Regatta continues to be held in his memory in Herzliya.
President Isaac Herzog praised the recipient, saying he was “very proud” that the award named after his father was being presented to Arad, “who broke every glass ceiling – from winning Israel’s first Olympic medal to becoming the highly accomplished president of the Olympic Committee.”
President Herzog noted that his father viewed sport as a tool for social advancement, achievement, and the promotion of Israel’s image around the world, adding that Chaim Herzog “was the president who proudly sent Yael to the Olympics and welcomed her home with Israel’s first medal.”
Prof. Tamir Shafer said the partnership between the Yad Chaim Herzog Foundation and the Hebrew University reflected their shared commitment to leadership, excellence, public service, and the advancement of Israeli society.
He described Arad as someone who powerfully embodies those values, highlighting not only her achievements in sport, business, and public life, but also her role as a member of the Hebrew University’s Board of Governors and her contribution to science, higher education, and academic excellence in Israel.
“She represents a rare combination of determination and excellence,” he said, praising her perseverance, resilience, leadership, and managerial abilities throughout her career.
Arad's full-circle moment
Accepting the award, Arad described the recognition as “a great honor” and said that joining the distinguished list of previous recipients was deeply meaningful. She paid tribute to Chaim Herzog as a model of leadership, dedication, and service to Israel, noting his military service and public contributions.
Reflecting on her Olympic breakthrough in Barcelona, Arad recalled that Chaim Herzog had wished the Israeli delegation success and welcomed them home after their achievement.
“For me, this is an extraordinarily moving full-circle moment,” she said, adding that President Isaac Herzog and Michal Herzog have accompanied her through many challenges on the international stage in recent years during her tenure as Chair of the Olympic Committee of Israel.