In an unprecedented display of informality for an occasion of its kind, President Javier Milei of Argentina was presented with Israel’s highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Honor, in a brief ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Monday, only hours before Israel would sink into somber solidarity with its bereaved families at the onset of Remembrance Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror.
Indeed, on a special platform at the side of the stage were the portraits of 10 former employees – or close relatives of employees – of the President’s Residence who either fell in battle or were murdered by terrorists. Alongside each portrait was a memorial candle which had already been kindled. There was also a large floral wreath.
The ceremony was 15 minutes behind schedule, not exactly surprising when Middle Eastern and Latin American times come together in a tango.
The disorderly crowd lined the red carpet as Milei entered the main reception hall, cheered, and shouted “Viva!”
President Isaac Herzog said that he felt privileged and honored to welcome Milei and his delegation. Speaking in Hebrew and in English, he told Milei: “We love you and welcome you. It is a true honor and pleasure to host you in the sacred city.”
Focusing on the similarities between them, Herzog said: “It is no secret that our terms have coincided with great upheavals for the Jewish People and the world at large.”
He commended Milei for having first visited Israel when the country was still reeling with shock and horror after October 7, 2023. He recalled that the two of them had stood at Kibbutz Nir Oz, looked families in the eye, and vowed, “This kibbutz will bloom again.”
Herzog clarified that this was not an idle promise because in the annals of Jewish history and of Israel, “People will always rebuild.”
He also noted that before, during, and after the war with Iran, Milei had proved his friendship both with words and with action, reflecting his heart and spirit.
“You stood up and spoke instead of disappearing in the crowd. You said ‘I am here,’” Herzog noted, using the Hebrew “Hineini.”
Referring to the Jewish tradition of making a custom enduring and permanent after it has occurred for the third time, Herzog said: “Your place in Jewish and Israeli hearts is permanent.”
Milei spoke of the increasing good relations between Argentina and Israel, of their mutual need to keep freedom alive in an uncertain world, and of the values, legacy, and vision shared by the two countries.
Crowd surged stage to take selfies with Herzog, Milei
Usually, at the conclusion of an event at the President’s Residence, the crowd remains seated until the president leaves the room. But before Herzog and Milei could move away for a private tete-a-tete, the crowd surged onto the stage, taking selfies with the two presidents.
When Herzog and Milei were finally able to extricate themselves, the crowd followed, and security personnel had a hard time keeping people at bay.
Earlier in the day, Milei was awarded an honorary doctorate by Bar Ilan University in appreciation for his diplomatic support of the State of Israel, and in particular for his firm commitment to international efforts to secure the return of the Israeli hostages that were held captive by Hamas in Gaza. The ceremony was attended by freed hostages of Argentinian background and their families.
Milei is the fifth president to receive the Medal of Honor from Herzog. The others were Milos Zeman of the Czech Republic, Joe Biden of the United States, Nicos Anastasiades of Cyprus, and Donald Trump of the US.
Another two American presidents to receive the award, but from former president Shimon Peres, who inaugurated it, were Barack Obama – while still in office – and Bill Clinton – who was honored with it when he was already out of office. They were presented with the award in its original incarnation as the “Medal of Distinction.”