The Chaim Herzog Prize is awarded individuals for their unique contributions to the State of Israel.
By ALAN ROSENBAUMJewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog (left), President Reuven Rivlin, and Dr. Yossi Vardi (right). (photo credit: MARK NEYMAN/GPO)
The Chaim Herzog Prize for 5780, awarded to individuals for their unique contributions to the State of Israel, was recently presented to renowned businessman, technology entrepreneur and Israeli investor Dr. Yossi Vardi.The award was presented to Vardi in the presence of President Reuven Rivlin, Jewish Agency chairman Isaac Herzog and Hebrew University of Jerusalem president Asher Cohen in recognition of Vardi’s significant contributions in the areas of national unity and coexistence.The award is awarded every two years by Hebrew University in collaboration with the Yad Chaim Herzog Foundation on the anniversary of the death of former president Chaim Herzog.This year, the ceremony was held at the President’s Residence, with attendance limited due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.“The Israeli spirit involves not only commercial entrepreneurship, but also includes responsibility to the general public and involvement with society,” Rivlin said during the ceremony. “This describes Yossi Vardi, whose contribution to Israeli innovation in his service to the public has been invaluable. Congratulations on receiving the Chaim Herzog Prize.”Isaac Herzog, son of the late president, said: “The State of Israel was built and will continue to be built thanks to people like Dr. Yossi Vardi. He is among the fathers of Israeli hi-tech who made Israel into a global hi-tech power – an entrepreneur and investor who contributed to the economic construction of Israel and a visionary and a man of action who trained others to be innovative and daring.“The life story of my late father, Chaim Herzog, the sixth president of the State of Israel, encompassed many areas of activity, including a significant chapter that involved the establishment of sophisticated industries, which formed the basis of Yossi Vardi’s vision. We are very proud of the decision of the Prize Committee and the Hebrew University to honor Dr. Yossi Vardi for his life’s work.”
