At the traditional President's Distinguished Mention ceremony to be held this year on Independence Day, two of the selected honorees will be conspicuous by their absence.
According to a report by Yaakov Hershkowitz in Israel Hayom, these are two fighters from the ultra-Orthodox Hasmonean Brigade, who will receive the award in a separate ceremony and at a later date, in accordance with the brigade's unique religious restrictions and accommodations - which do not allow the participation of the ultra-Orthodox fighters in the ceremony at the President's House.
And who are the outstanding ones who were chosen?
Cadet A is one of the brigade's most prominent pioneers. He was among the first class to enlist in the Hashmonaim, graduated from the brigade's first company commander course, and is currently serving as a cadet in the first class of the officers' course.
A. came from a complex family background that did not support his enlistment, but chose to enlist against all odds. He participated in intense fighting in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon, where he excelled both as a fighter and as a squad leader.
For his fellow brigade members, he is a role model who combines professional excellence alongside uncompromising spiritual rigor.
Lieutenant R. played a key role in building the command infrastructure of the Hasmoneans. As a platoon commander, he commanded the brigade's first recruits and guided them through their adaptation to the military system. Later, he commanded the brigade's company commanders' course, where he shaped the next generation of commanders of the ultra-Orthodox fighters.
Before joining the brigade, R. fought in the Gaza Strip under the Bismalah Brigade during the 'Iron Swords' War, and stood out for his composure, responsibility, and professionalism under fire.
