Jerusalem Post/Israel NewsThe recognition was awarded by the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, whose chairman is Chemi Peres, son of former prime minister Shimon Peres.Follow us on GoogleAn Israeli hostage is greeted on her return to Israel after Operation Entebbe on 3rd July 1976, in which, Israeli special forces rescued 100 hostages held at Entebbe Airport in Uganda by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine following their hijack of Air France Flight 139.(photo credit: Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)ByMAARIVJUNE 30, 2026 20:16Sorin Hershko, the soldier who was most severely wounded in Operation Entebbe, received an award of recognition from the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation during an event commemorating 50 years since the operation.The award was presented to him by Chemi Peres, chairman of the center and son of the then defense minister and key political actor during the operation, Shimon Peres.The ceremony took place in the presence of the "Entebbe children," including Shai Gross, Tzipi Cohen Gonen, Benny Davidson, Anat Brodsky, Sabine Teichner Sharon, Regine Teichner-Levy, Ella Rosenkovitch, and others.Sorin Hershko receives an award of recognition from the Peres Center on the 50th anniversary of Operation Entebbe. (credit: Talia Kadosh)New edition of Shimon Peres book unveiledThe gathering also marked the launch of a new edition of Shimon Peres's book, Entebbe Diary, republished by Yedioth Books.The book chronicles the behind-the-scenes diplomatic, political, and military efforts without which Operation Entebbe could not have been imagined."Operation Entebbe is an inspiring operation," said Peres."Sorin is an extraordinary source of inspiration and an example of how one can overcome any obstacle through strength of spirit and soul, while maintaining an optimism that is so deeply needed in these times," he addedHershko said receiving the honor was a very emotional experience."It is always moving to receive an honor, but it is also very important who is presenting it to you. Receiving an award of recognition from the Peres Center that is named after Shimon Peres - a man I greatly esteemed - is a double honor, and I thank you."Follow us on Google