Peres gives Obama top Israeli civilian medal

Israeli President Shimon Peres gave US President Barack Obama Israel s highest civilian award, the Medal of Distinction, during a ceremonial dinner held in Obama s honor Thursday evening at the Israeli president s residence. The medal recognizes Obama s commitment to maintaining Israel s security, and it is the first time in which an Israeli president has bestowed such an honor on a sitting presiden, The Washington Times reported. Obama gave Peres, a lifetime Israeli politician who twice served as prime minister of the country, the US President s Medal of Freedom last year. He will turn 90 in August. "It is my privilege to present you with our country s highest honor," Peres said. "This award speaks to your tireless work to make Israel strong." "The people of Israel are particularly moved by your unforgettable contribution to their security," he continued. "One occasion, when we were alone, you stood with us so we were not alone - we will never forget it." The ceremony took place at a gala dinner that included Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, and numerous Israeli lawmakers and senior members of the US administration, including Secretary of State John Kerry and National Security Adviser Tom Donilon.