The recipients of Israel's first Presidential Awards of Distinction were announced on Thursday, February 9, 2012. The award is given to private individuals and organizations that have made unique and outstanding contributions to Israeli society and the State of Israel's image around the world, and which constitute examples of initiative, innovation, creativity and vision.

"I am old enough to know that people are no less important than ideas," siad President Peres at the awards ceremony. "The world has learned to say thank-you and the time has come for us as well to thank great people who have served as examples for the younger generation so that we might pass on the message that every person can be as great as his deeds and his ideas. "

Recipients of Israel's Presidential Awards of Distinction:

• Henry Kissinger, for his unique contribution to Israel and to peace in the Middle East, and for being a statesman with foresight, creativity and vision;
• Attorney Uri Slonim, the President of Variety Israel, for his voluntarism regarding Israel's POWs and MIAs and for his work at Variety Israel;
• Judy Feld Carr, for secretly saving thousands of Syrian Jews, including young people and entire families, for over 25 years;
• The Rashi Foundation, which was established by the Leven family;
• Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, for his unique and extraordinary contribution to Jewish culture and education; and
• Zubin Mehta, Music Director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, for his unique contribution to the world of Israeli music.