"The IDF has a moral code. It is called the spirit of the IDF and it does not change with a change in the weather. Only the commanders of the IDF will set the guidelines, orders and treatment of people and irregular incidents in the IDF. Our moral compass is stable, clear, and precise," IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi (pictured below) declared Wednesday night at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev during the Ben-Gurion Awards ceremony.
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He added, "The IDF teaches two things: professionalism and values. Israeli citizens can sleep peacefully most nights of the year because of our success, which derives from our professionalism. I said we also teach values, and I have no doubt, I say this with full confidence from meeting my counterparts from all around the world and my own deep understanding of the IDF: The IDF is an exceedingly moral army!"
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev bestowed the 2022 Ben-Gurion Awards on seven recipients on Wednesday. The award ceremony took place on Ben-Gurion Day, November 30, 2022 on the Marcus Family Campus in Beer-Sheva.
President of Israel Isaac Herzog sent his blessings saying, "If we could, for just a moment, add David Ben-Gurion to this event as a guest, we would give him at least two reasons for satisfaction with the State of Israel: The first reason is you, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. An internationally renowned academic institution that lives and fulfills the vision of the "Old Man". A symbol of groundbreaking research, academic excellence, vast knowledge in many fields, and of course, amazing community involvement. Ben-Gurion would be happy to discover that his vision for the university, which he defined with the words 'a beacon of information and knowledge to the Negev, to Israel and to the nations of the world,' is the one guiding the academic, scientific, and societal activities of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. However, Ben-Gurion would have another reason to feel satisfaction, or maybe seven reasons. You, the recipients of the Ben-Gurion Award, Israelis who spark admiration, who are the extraordinary fulfillment of a deep devotion to contribute to the country over many years, of real caring for our future as a state and a society. You are the beautiful Israel, a symbol of notable excellence, each in their own field."
Ben-Gurion University President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz, "Ben-Gurion said, "So long as a person lives, he can change." He also said, "the world never stops for a moment." These statements and others expressed a deep insight: that change is life itself. Every living organism, organization, and state has to change and to renew itself unceasingly in order to continue living and thriving.
"We, the University who bears his name, also strive tirelessly to renew ourselves. Ben-Gurion taught us that rejuvenation is the key to excellence. The openness to change paves the way to new knowledge that changes reality.
"Rejuvenation is also the guiding principle behind an important process going on around us right now: the transfer of some of the IDF's essential functions, such as Communications and Intelligence, to the South, near our University. This is a bold move that IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi, one of our Ben-Gurion Award recipients this year, has led. We here at Ben-Gurion University are proud to do our part in this important process, which creates around it such widespread and significant rejuvenation in an entire region – at the University, the city of Beer-Sheva, and the entire Negev. It is a process that leads in the end to national rejuvenation," he said at the ceremony.
Full list of recipients:
Hanna Rado, a social and business entrepreneur, in recognition of her contribution to advancing quality employment for women in the periphery.
Prof. Nachum Finger, one of the founders of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, rector of the University from 1994-2002 and deputy chairman of the Council for Higher Education, in recognition of his contributions to research and the development of the University.
Gila Bellaish, former high school principal, in recognition of her contributions to the education system and her various civic activities for the benefit of society.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi, for his historic contribution to the future of Israel as the chief of staff who signed off on moving the IDF's communications and intelligence branches to the Negev.
Eran Doron, head of the Ramat Negev Regional Council, for his efforts on behalf of southern residents, developing the Negev, and advancing Israeli society in all its diversity.
Prof. Alon Chen, President of the Weizmann Institute of Science and a graduate of Ben-Gurion University, in recognition of his contributions and activities to develop and advance Israeli academia.
Lester Crown, philanthropist and businessperson, in recognition of his deep commitment to the State of Israel, and his understanding of the roles of education and research in strengthening the country and Israeli society.
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Above from left to right: BGU Rector, Prof. Chaim Hames, Hanna Rado, Prof. Nachum Finger, Gila Bellaish, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi, Eran Doron, Prof. Alon Chen, Linda Epstein who accepted the award on behalf of Lester Crown, and BGU President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz
Media Coverage:
The Times of Israel
Arutz 7
