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Controversial Honorees Announced for Israel's Independence Day Ceremony

4/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Avraham Zarbiv will light a torch at Israel's Independence Day ceremony on April 21.
He is a rabbinical judge known for demolitions during the Gaza conflict and faced an ethics ruling.
Miri Regev praised Zarbiv for his commitment to Israel and the Torah.
Other honorees include IDF soldier Ari Shpitz, entrepreneur Gili Raanan, and Argentina’s President Javier Milei.
The selections have sparked controversy, notably over Gal Hirsch, criticized by former Hamas hostages' families.

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Story summary

Avraham Zarbiv will light a torch at Israel's Independence Day ceremony on April 21.
He is a rabbinical judge known for demolitions during the Gaza conflict and faced an ethics ruling.
Miri Regev praised Zarbiv for his commitment to Israel and the Torah.
Other honorees include IDF soldier Ari Shpitz, entrepreneur Gili Raanan, and Argentina’s President Javier Milei.
The selections have sparked controversy, notably over Gal Hirsch, criticized by former Hamas hostages' families.