Minister of Education Yoav Kisch on Tuesday invited U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the Israel Prize Award Ceremony in Jerusalem on April 22 at which he will be awarded the Israel Prize for Lifetime Special Contribution to the State of Israel and the Jewish people.
“This evening I sent a formal invitation to the President of the United States Donald Trump to participate in the Israel Prize ceremony,” Kisch posted to X. He included a copy of the letter in his post.
Kisch’s ministry oversees the prizes, which are awarded annually on Israel’s Independence Day.
On Dec. 29, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Trump would receive the Israel Prize in the category of “Unique Contribution to the Jewish People.” It is the first time a foreign leader will receive the award.
״אדוני הנשיא, נוכחותך בירושלים וקבלת הפרס באופן אישי תהווה רגע בעל משמעות עמוקה עבור אזרחי ישראל וביטוי עוצמתי לידידות העמוקה והמתמשכת בין שתי מדינותינו״
— יואב קיש Yoav Kisch (@YoavKisch) February 10, 2026
שיגרתי הערב הזמנה רשמית לנשיא ארצות הברית דונלד טראמפ, להשתתף בטקס פרס ישראל שייערך ביום העצמאות ה-78 למדינת ישראל בעיר… pic.twitter.com/RKBnbmY3K3
“[It was] a historic decision that expresses recognition of his extraordinary contribution and its lasting impact on the Jewish people in Israel and around the world,” Kisch posted.
“Your presence in Jerusalem to personally receive the Israel Prize would be a moment of profound significance for the people of Israel and a powerful expression of the deep and enduring friendship between our two nations,” Kisch wrote in the letter.
“On behalf of the Government of Israel and the citizens of the State of Israel, I would be deeply honored if you would accept this invitation,” he continued.
The Israel Prize ceremony will take place as part of the celebrations marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day. President Isaac Herzog, the prime minister, senior government officials, leaders from across Israeli society and “distinguished guests from abroad” will attend.
