Israel: Adiel Yosef a 22 years-old Indian origin soldier of Israeli army who immigrated from Mumbai to Israel awarded with the President’s Medal “Prez” for his outstanding service to Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
While receiving Prez Medal he said that, “I always felt that strong connection to Israel and wanted to serve in the IDF. My parents didn’t want to move to Israel but on my insistence they first agreed to let me immigrate but finally joined me when the time came.”
Adiel said that his interest to serve IDF made him to join in these services even though their parents did not accept. Inspite of refusal he immigrated which later was accepted by his parents and they also moved there. When he went to Israel he was 153 kg in weight. Wishing to serve in the combat unit, he approached but his physic didn’t support to do that.
After several months, the army sent him to Hebrew learning course to guard a checkpoint. He was disappointed for this, but he didn’t give up and worked hard to lose more than 40 kg and reached IDF again to work under IDF combat unit. Then he was acceptable by the IDF Combat unit.
Presidents Medal of Exllence is awarded every year based on the recommendations of various IDF commanders for the outstanding service to the Israeli army and State of Israel.
The Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin during the ceremony to honour the soldiers expressed his views about Adiel and said that the award is a symbol of heroism and courage. It is a medal of leadership, of friendship, of fulfilling a mission out of humility. Finally Adiel is awarded with Prez Medal in Israel.