The Chaim Herzog President’s Prize, awarded by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem as a sign of appreciation for a unique contribution to the State of Israel, was awarded today in a festive ceremony in the President’s House.
The Prize this year was awarded to Amos Horev and Yeshayahu (Shayke) Gavish in recognition of their unique contribution to the State of Israel throughout their extensive activities, beginning with lengthy and intense military service which included building the forces and then leadership roles in the education and economic systems, while leading significant projects that influenced the identity of Israeli society. Over the years Horev and Gavish became exemplary people for many who followed.
The Hebrew University grants the Prize every two years in cooperation with “The Yad Chaim Herzog” Association, on the date of death of the Former President of the State of Israel, Chaim Herzog of blessed memory. Present at the Ceremony was the President of the State Yitzhak Herzog, President of the Hebrew University, Professor Asher Cohen, and the Chancellor of the University, Professor Menahem Ben-Sasson.
Yeshayahu (Shayke) Gavish, a Palmach soldier, was the GOC Southern Command in the Six Day War and later the Director of Koor Industries. Gavish was born (in 1925) and raised in Tel Aviv. He joined the Palmach, participated in the night of the bridges and as the Company Commander at the outbreak of the War of Independence. He fought and was wounded in the “Malkia Battle” and while recovering participated as an officer in the conquest of Lod, in the Yoav Operation and more. Gavish advanced in the ladder of IDF ranks and in the Six Day War served as Aluf of the Southern Command. He was drafted for reserve duty in the Yom Kippur War, where he directed the battles in the Shlomo Area. Upon his release from the Israel Defense Force, he worked in the Koor Industries for 18 years, six of them as Director General of the company. Gavish was also very active in promoting the heritage of the Palmach and the establishment of the Palmach Museum.
Aluf (reserves) Amos Horev was born in Jerusalem in 1924 and from the age of 14 was a member of the “Haganah” oragniztion and one of the first to join the Palmach. Horev participated in the freeing of the Maapilim from the Atlit Detention Camp and in the War of Independence he fought in many battles in the Jerusalem area, in the conquest of Beer Sheva and more. After completing his degree in science and engineering in MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Horev established the Department of Weapons in the Joint Chiefs of Staff, headed it, and was appointed to the position of the Chief Ammunitions Officer. After his release, he served at the chief scientist of the Israeli Security Forces and later as a President of the Technion and served as the Director of Raphael for nine years. During the course of his life he made a crucial contribution in the technological development and security industries in the State and in 2011 he was awarded the Israel Prize for his life’s work.
Yitzhak Herzog, President of the State, son of Chaim Herzog: “It is both strange and unique, that as President of the State, I am privileged here in the President’s House to participate in the Ceremony awarding the Chaim Herzog Prize named for my Father who was the sixth President of the State of Israel. Shayke and Amos, the Prize is given to you for your invaluable contribution to the State of Israel! You are unique and special in your own ways and we cherish and thank you. We wish you good health and continued productive activities”.
Professor Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University: “The two Prize winners are honored to receive the Prize, but no less than that, the Prize, the State, and the University honor them: outstanding figures who for many decades have displayed courage, love for the State and the people and constant striving for further development. Your activities over the years have contributed to the security, the academy, the industry, the society and the State”.
Professor Menahem Ben-Sasson, Chancellor of the Hebrew University: “Amos and Shayke are not only an example of “Safra and Saifa”, but an example of ongoing action, breakthrough achievements in the fields of security, civilians, academy, and industry, from before the establishment of the State and to this very day”.
