Katz, Zamir honor 20 organizations, municipalities for exceptional support to reservists

Commemorating more than two years of war, Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir award the “Defense Minister’s Shield” to 20 local authorities, companies and academic institutions for exceptional, sustained support of Israel’s reservists and their families “over a prolonged period,” according to a joint statement from the IDF and Defense Ministry.

“Every day we see how our enemies do not stop for a moment,” Katz said at the ceremony. “Iran leads these efforts, and opposite them the IDF and the security forces operate nonstop — and the reservists stand at the center of thwarting these efforts.”

Thanking the award recipients, he added, “You are the vanguard of the State of Israel — and we salute you.”

Zamir stressed the importance of the link between the battlefield and civilian society, saying: “The security of the State of Israel is measured not only by the strength of combat systems and operational capabilities, but also by the ability to provide a broad, humane and comprehensive response to the needs of its fighters.”

He added that “the personal campaign of reservists does not end with their release from long and arduous reserve service,” calling for continued support as they return to family life, work and studies.

The award recipients were chosen by a professional committee with representatives from the Defense Ministry, the IDF, local government, the business sector and higher education.

Winners included six municipalities and regional councils, 10 companies and employers, and four academic institutions recognized for “policies and initiatives that strengthen reservists during and after service.”