ByGREER FAY-CASHMANSEPTEMBER 10, 2026 18:27There is no real job description for the president of Israel. It’s not a 9-5 profession. Nor can it be fully planned on a daily or weekly basis. There are always surprises that were not anticipated in advance.In addition to all the duties inherited from his 10 predecessors, President Isaac Herzog has dedicated much of his time over the past three years to visiting kibbutzim, moshavim, villages and urban areas that suffered heavy losses of life and severe property damage resulting from Hamas and Hezbollah attacks. While hostages languished in Gaza, Herzog met frequently with their families, and when hostages were released, he also met with them. He visited hospitals to boost the morale of wounded soldiers, and met several times with ambassadors of countries whose citizens had been abducted from Israel by Hamas.“I meet thousands of Israelis each week from all walks of life, and they never cease to inspire me and fill me with hope for the future for our wonderful nation.”During his ongoing presidency, Israel has faced unprecedented challenges ranging from the coronavirus epidemic to the societal rift over judicial changes, plus the October 7 massacre and the war that followed. “The war brought out the very best in Israelis who have demonstrated heroism, resilience, and love of our country. It has also had a devastating impact on so many people, families and communities. My wife Michal and I have met with over 2,000 bereaved families.”To Herzog, one of the most moving moments of the past year was the wedding of Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen, who were kidnapped by Hamas from his family’s home in Nir Oz. “The incredible sight of seeing the triumph of life and love under the huppah after all they and their families had been through was a powerful moment that epitomized the exceptional strength and character of the Israeli people,” says Herzog.President Isaac Herzog hosts the President's Decoration Award Ceremony at the president house in Jerusalem. October 22, 2025. (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)Turning to antisemitism, Herzog emphasizes that as president of the world’s only Jewish state, “I care for every Jew everywhere. Where one Jew is harmed – whether in Jerusalem, Sydney or New York – we all feel a shared pain. My visit to Australia after the Bondi Beach terror attack was one of the most moving moments of the past year.”Before taking office in July, 2021, Herzog served as cabinet secretary, legislator, minister, chairman of the Labor Party and chairman of the Jewish Agency. Unlike Israel’s fifth president Yitzhak Navon, he has no intention of returning to politics at the conclusion of his term. Instead, he hopes to become a teacher and to join in shaping Israel’s next generation.He noted that his term will conclude just after Israel celebrates its milestone 80th anniversary of Independence. His hope is that by then “Israel will be more secure and more united than ever.”On September 22, Herzog will celebrate his 66th birthday. The fourth Israel-born president, he is the first to be born after the establishment of the state. He is also the first and only second-generation president. His father, Chaim Herzog, was Israel’s sixth president.No. 13: Stephen Miller >><< No. 15: Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben Gvir, Aryeh Deri, Gideon Sa'ar, Avigdor Liberman, Yair Lapid, and Yuli EdelsteinThe 50 Most Influential Jews 2026 Full ListFollow us on Google