Israeli President Isaac Herzog presented the President’s Excellence Award to two national service volunteers at Magen David Adom (MDA) for working around the clock, beyond their volunteer hours, to help in times of crisis across Israel. The award winners were Mera Bokae, 20, from Akko, and Tehila Kadosh, 21, from Efrat.
Bokae, 20, is a Senior EMT, and Kadosh, 21, is a paramedic and training coordinator for MDA’s rapid response vehicles, the organization said on Tuesday. These two MDA volunteers were among the 29 total honorees.
The ceremony was held to honor outstanding National Civil Service volunteers in 2025 and was presented in the presence of both the president and his wife, Michal, Settlements and National Missions Minister Orit Strock, and Director of the National Service Authority, Reuven Pinsky.
MDA describes Tehila Kadosh as working well beyond her regular volunteer hours to assist in lifesaving efforts while under rocket attack. She took on the additional hours amid IDF reserve call-ups for handfuls of MDA paramedics. Kadosh was instrumental in helping those around her unit’s rapid response vehicles in Rishon LeZion.
The emergency medical organization stated that, in addition to her extra hours, Kadosh leads training courses in advanced emergency medicine.
Kadosh also addressed attendees at the ceremony, sharing her experiences as a paramedic during wartime.
“Today, we stand here humbled and honored, part of the thousands of national-civil service volunteers serving Israeli society in all its diversity. My peers and I chose to serve through the civilian track out of a sense of mission and responsibility.
Non-stop work, even during the war with Iran
A couple of weeks ago, during Operation Rising Lion,’ I found myself with my team at the heart of devastation caused by a ballistic missile strike,” she told the audience. “While most Israelis were ordered into shelters, I was proud and grateful to be one of those entering the danger zone to offer lifesaving care. Moments like these only reinforce the profound mission behind our role — in both routine and emergency.”
Also honored was Akko resident and MDA Senior EMT Mera Bokae. The organization describes Bokae as exceptionally committed and a fast learner who longs to save lives. She has been involved in many emergency response situations, acting cool under pressure and keeping her composure and compassion.
Bokae not only works in the field but also takes on the added responsibility of ensuring emergency response vehicles are fully functional and equipped, on top of her formal role. “Mera has become a respected and central figure at her station, embodying dedication, humanity, and leadership,” MDA Spokesperson Zaki Heller said.
MDA Director-General Eli Bin extended congratulatory remarks to the award recipients: “The strength of any organization lies in its people — the committed, professional, and diverse individuals who drive it forward. I commend Tehila and Mera on their excellence and thank them and all our volunteers for their outstanding contribution to MDA and to the people of Israel. They represent the very best of our society — those willing to sacrifice and help save lives.”