President Donald Trump salutes during the playing of the national anthem before the start of the 126th Army-Navy NCAA college football game at M&T Bank Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Trump will be awarded the Israel Prize at the annual torch-lighting ceremony in Jerusalem marking Israel’s Independence Day.
By World Israel News Staff
The Israeli government has invited President Donald Trump to take part in this year’s Independence Day ceremony in Jerusalem after he was selected for the annual Israel Prize.
On Tuesday, Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch penned a letter to the president formally inviting him to attend the Independence Day ceremony.
“It is with great respect and deep appreciation that I extend to you this official invitation to attend the Israel Prize Award Ceremony, to be held on April 22 in Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Israel,” Kisch wrote.
The letter was written on the eve of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump at the White House.
In December, during his meeting with the president in Florida, Netanyahu revealed that the Education Ministry’s committee tasked with selecting recipients for the Israel Prize had chosen Trump, marking the first time in Israel’s history that a non-citizen has received the honor.
“This year, the Israel Prize Committee reached a historic decision to award you the Israel Prize for Lifetime Special Contribution to the State of Israel and the Jewish People,” Kisch continued.
“This unprecedented decision reflects the profound gratitude of the Israeli public for your exceptional leadership and your enduring impact on the history of Israel-United States relations.
“The Israel Prize ceremony will take place as part of the official celebrations marking the 78th Independence Day of the State of Israel, and will be attended by the president, the prime minister, senior government officials, leaders from all parts of Israeli society, and distinguished guests from abroad.”
Kisch urged Trump to receive the prize in person, saying it would serve as a “powerful expression” of the relationship between Israel and the US.
“Your presence in Jerusalem to personally receive the Israel Prize would be a moment of profound significance for the people of Israel and a powerful expression of the deep and enduring friendship between our two nations.”
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