This year, the ceremony was dedicated to the memories of President Shimon Peres ז"ל, President Yitzhak Ben-Zvi ז"ל, Prime Minister Levi Eshkol ז"ל, and Prime Minister Golda Meir ז"ל. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President of the Supreme Court Esther Hayut, acting Speaker of the Knesset Meir Cohen, led dignitaries attending with President Reuven Rivlin.  Large photographs of the past Israeli leaders were posted outside the entrance of Beit Hanasi.

Also at the ceremony awards were presented by the President and by the Prime Minister to researchers and students for work related to the personalities being remembered. 

The program began with a short film of those being honored, followed by the recitation of kaddish.

The president began his remarks by quoting President Ben-Zvi's speech at the first swearing-in ceremony of judges in Israel. In his speech, Ben-Zvi emphasized the public's trust in the judicial system and the importance of a nonpartisan system of justice that enjoys public and moral authority. The president also quoted Ben-Zvi as saying: "Law is of the three institutions and foundations on which the building of our state rests: the Knesset, which is the legislature; the government, which is the executive; and the judiciary."  

Continuing to quote Ben-Zvi, the president said: "The branches of government - the legislative branch, the executive branch, and the judiciary - are the cornerstones of Israeli democracy. It is our duty, the duty of all those who seek the welfare and future of the State of Israel, to respect the laws of the state and the powers of its authorities. This duty is measured in deeds, as well as in the words chosen by citizens and elected officials of the state and its leaders, including me. These are words that should be chosen with seriousness and premeditated thought, out of a commitment to preserve the foundations of our nation."  

The President's Prize in memory of the President Yitzhak Ben-Zvi was awarded to Mr. Yitzhak Magen, for his study of the Samaritans and their culture.

The President's Prize in memory of the late President Shimon Peres was awarded to Dr. Ron Shavit of the Peres Academic Center for his doctoral thesis on "The Diplomatic Leader vs. the Political Leader - Shimon Peres 1974- 2007." In addition, a certificate of appreciation was given to students of the Levi Eshkol School in Lod for original portraits of the late President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Levi Eshkol.  

Before beginning his official remarks, PM Netanyahu mentioned this was his first time to publicly offer condolences to the President on the loss of his wife Nechama Rivlin z"l. "I share your call, Mr. President, on the central nature and the importance of the court in our national lives, in our democracy. Of course, the court’s rulings are binding on us all. It must also be understood that the balance between the authorities is a foundation of modern democracy, or of ancient or modern democracy. I do not forget either the importance or the role of the court, even for a moment.”   

On Iran, “Israel stands at the forefront with the US, with moderate Arab countries, and with other countries, in opposition to the Iranian aggression. Today Iran threatened to enrich uranium to higher levels beyond that which is permitted by the nuclear agreement. This does not surprise us because just as when we brought the secret nuclear archive from Teheran to Israel, we discovered the extent to which Iran has violated its promise to the international community – its promise to report truthfully on its nuclear program. Should Iran make good on its current threats, and violate the nuclear agreement, the international community will need to immediately impose the sanctions regime that was agreed upon in advance, the ‘snapback sanctions’. In any case, Israel will not allow Iran to achieve nuclear weapons.” 

“Alongside the peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, we are tightening – in an unprecedented manner – relations with additional countries in the Arab and Islamic world. These countries increasingly understand that Israel is not their enemy. On the contrary, Israel is a steadfast and stable ally that – with them – seeks to ensure the future of our region.” 

The audience was amused to hear that African countries constantly mentioned "Golda."

The Prime Minister's award for the commemoration of Prime Minister Golda Meir, was given to the Pasik Theater for two solo plays about her life and her work. The members of the prize committee considered this an exceptional contribution to bringing the messages of her life and character to a young audience in a friendly and enjoyable way. In addition, certificates of appreciation were given to the ‘Etzion’ school, together with Bet Eckstein for their production of "Golda's Shoes."

The Prime Minister's Award in memory of the late Prime Minister Levi Eshkol was awarded to Dr. Laura Wharton of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for her doctoral dissertation on "The Social Policy of the Government of Israel under Prime Minister Levi Eshkol." In addition, a certificate of appreciation was given to 9th graders at the Technion Technical School in Haifa for the construction of a Levi Eshkol educational website.

The award committee, headed by Prof. Aryeh Naor, was comprised of public figures, family members and representatives of the Public Council for the Commemoration of Israeli Presidents and Prime Ministers.

 After the singing of Hatikvah at the conclusion of the ceremony, PM Netanyahu lingered, took photos and interacted with the invited guests who filled the main official function room.