A Historic First: Trump Invited to Light the Independence Day Torch in Jerusalem
In a historic move, Israel has officially invited President Donald Trump to light a torch on Independence Day and receive the prestigious Israel Prize for his unique contributions to the Jewish people.
In a gesture of deep national appreciation, the State of Israel has officially invited United States President Donald Trump to take a central role in this year’s Independence Day celebrations. According to reports from Channel 12 News, the government has requested that the President participate in the iconic torch-lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl, a high honor usually reserved for those who have made transformative contributions to the state. Accompanying this invitation is the announcement that Trump will be awarded the Israel Prize, the nation's highest civilian accolade, in the category of "Unique Contribution to the Jewish People." This unprecedented move reflects the profound gratitude of the Israeli public and its leadership for Trump’s decisive actions during the ongoing war and his long-term impact on the strategic alliance between the two nations.
The Israel Prize Invitation
Education Minister Yoav Kish issued the formal invitation on Tuesday, urging President Trump to attend the ceremony in Jerusalem. In his letter, the minister highlighted that the decision by the Israel Prize Committee was historic and unanimous, aiming to recognize Trump’s exceptional support for the Jewish people over the years. "This unprecedented decision reflects the deep gratitude of the Israeli public for your outstanding leadership and your lasting impact on the history of relations between Israel and the United States," Kish wrote. The award serves as a formal acknowledgment of Trump’s role in securing Israel’s regional standing and his unwavering stance against the aggression of Hamas terrorists.
The timing of the award is particularly significant as Israel continues to navigate the complexities of the war that began with the October 7 massacre. By honoring a sitting American president in this manner, the Israeli government is signaling a permanent bond of friendship that transcends standard diplomacy. The Israel Prize is typically awarded to Israeli citizens, making this special category for Trump a rare exception in the history of the foundation.
A Trophy of Stones and Gold
To commemorate the occasion, a special statuette has been commissioned and designed specifically in the President’s honor. The award is a masterpiece of symbolic architecture, designed by Ben Dror, a 24-year-old designer who has served approximately 600 days in the reserves since the war broke out. The base of the statuette is crafted from authentic stones from the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews are permitted to pray, representing the ancient history and resilience of the Jewish people.
Rising from these historic stones is a golden, shining Star of David, which symbolizes the revival of the state, its future, and its continued success. The contrast between the ancient limestone and the modern gold reflects the theme of the award: a bridge between the historical roots of the Jewish people and the bright future Trump helped secure. As Jerusalem prepares for the Independence Day events, the arrival of such a high-profile guest would mark the most significant international participation in the ceremony since the founding of the state.