Natan Sharansky was awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom
December 18, 2006

On Friday, former Soviet dissident and Israeli MK Natan Sharansky was honored by President George W. Bush with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, for his contributions to and sacrifices for the cause of democracy and freedom.

In a ceremony at the White House, Bush said that Sharansky "reminds us that every soul carries the desire to live in freedom, and that freedom has a unique power to lift up nations, transform regions, and secure a future for peace. Natan Sharansky is a witness to that power, and his testimony brings hope to those who still live under oppression."
Photo: Ron Sachs / CNP

The Embassy of Israel marked the occasion with a celebratory reception in his honor with Ambassador Sallai Meridor, former U.S. Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger and Washington Post columnist Dr. Charles Krauthammer offering personal remarks and congratulations.

Photo: Ron Sachs / CNP

Photo: Embassy of Israel

Other recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom were:
• Ruth Johnson Colvin, founder of Literacy Volunteers of America.
• Norman C. Francis, president of Xavier University of Louisiana and former head of the United Negro College Fund.
• Paul Johnson, historian and journalist.
• Riley (B.B.) King, musician.
• Joshua Lederberg, Nobel laureate for research in bacterial genetics.
• David McCullough, historian and biographer.
• Norman Y. Mineta, former representative and secretary of transportation and commerce.
• John (Buck) O'Neil, player and manager in the Negro League and first black coach in the Major Leagues.
• William Safire, former Op-Ed columnist of The New York Times.