Miloš Zeman

The award was granted in honor of Czech President Miloš Zeman’s “deep friendship with the Jewish People, and consistent support for Israel on the international stage.”

Czech president Miloš Zeman is an “unwavering supporter” of Israel, says Israeli President Isaac Herzog, hailing the “close and friendly” ties between the two countries.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said the official embassy remains in Tel Aviv; the development, however, indicates the Eastern European country’s tacit acceptance of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

“With the Czech Republic, as with the United States of America, there is something else. It’s a deep, deep commonality of values, which you so powerfully expressed,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In first-ever speech to legislative body by a Czech leader, Miloš Zeman blasts E.U. for hosting Palestinian terrorists • “If we betray Israel, we betray ourselves,” he says • Jerusalem Affairs Minister Ze’ev Elkin presents the Czech president with “Protector of Jerusalem Award.”

It will house the Czech cultural, investment, trade and tourism offices.

Czech President Miloš Zeman also continues to support the Czech Republic moving its mission from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Dan Propper, a 78-year-old Israeli Czech businessman, was named as the honorary consul.