Jewish Federations of North America’s Chair Julie Platt was one of the eight to receive the prestigious award. Platt and President Herzog will meet at the Jewish Federations upcoming General Assembly, marking the President's first time in the United States since October 7th. 
 

“I’m truly overwhelmed to receive the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor from President Herzog,” Platt said. “I cannot accept this alone though – the entire Jewish Federations of North America system has worked as one body committed to meeting the needs of all our brothers and sisters in Israel. We have never seen such resilient people, which motivates Federations even more to ensure that Israel has what it needs to help her people rebuild their lives.”

 
Against the background of the ongoing conflict, the President chose these leaders for their unwavering commitment to Israel and their exceptional support of the Jewish people over decades of endeavors, particularly since the atrocities of October 7.
 

Platt helped lead Jewish Federations' Israel Emergency Fund in raising $855 million since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, as well as efforts to combat the wave of antisemitism and anti-Israel activism across the country.
 

The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor is awarded by the President of the State of Israel to those who through their talents, service, or any other means, have made an outstanding contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity. This medal was an initiative of Israel's Ninth President, the late Shimon Peres, and was first awarded in 2012.
 

President Herzog will speak at Federations upcoming General Assembly, which runs from November 10-12 in Washington, DC. Preceding the General Assembly will be Stand Together: an event of Jewish Unity, Strength, and Resilience.

The Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish American Organizations are hosting the event, which is being emceed by Emmy- and Grammy-award winning comedian and actor Tiffany Haddish.
 

Doors open for Stand Together at 12PM, the pre-program begins at 1PM, and the event officially starts at 3PM. The Jewish Federations of North America’s 2024 General Assembly will begin immediately following the event. More information is available at www.standtogethernovember10.org.