Yona Elian-Keshet on Receiving the President's Medal: 'I Was Stunned, It's Very Joyful'

President Isaac Herzog announced the recipients of the President's Medal for 2026, including actress Yona Elian-Keshet. In an interview, she spoke about her excitement and her extensive public activities alongside her acting career.

President Isaac Herzog announced today (Tuesday) the recipients of the President's Medal for 2026, awarded to individuals who have made a unique contribution to the State of Israel. Among the recipients is actress Yona Elian-Keshet. In an interview with the program "Ba'hatzi Hayom" on Kan News, she spoke about receiving the news: "I was very excited, it fell on me for good without any prior notice." The medal is awarded to her not only for her artistic work but also for her public activities: she served as chairperson of the executive committee of the Union of Israeli Artists, is a member of the Film Council and the Israeli Film Fund, and is active in the associations "Elem" and "Amcha" and the project "Zikaron BaSalon." These days she is performing in the play "Goodbye and Thank You for the Strudel" at the Habima Theater alongside Tuvia Tzafir. Other recipients: Prof. Hussam Haick, Prof. Muli Lahad, Prof. Hefziba Lifshitz, Prof. Yossi Leshem, Ziva Mekonen, Moshe Nissim, Rabbi Haim Sabato, Uriel Reichman, Ivy Moses, and Yehuda Adar.