The Bank of Israel today launches a coin of appreciation in honor of the medical teams, in the presence of the President of the State of Israel, the Governor of the Bank of Israel, and the Minister of Health

 

The Bank of Israel today held a ceremony to launch a NIS 5 coin of appreciation dedicated to the Israeli health and medical system for their contribution and struggle for the lives and health of Israel’s citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The event was held in the presence of Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz, and Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Amir Yaron.

 

As the Bank published in July[1], the design of the obverse side of the coin was selected as part of a design competition featuring 15 graphic designers from Israel.  Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Amir Yaron selected the winning design from three design proposals that were chosen by the Public Committee for the Planning of Banknotes, Coins and Commemorative Coins chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Yaakov Turkel.  Following the launch, more than 2 million of the coins with this design will enter circulation.

 

The coin of appreciation will circulate alongside the existing coins, and will enter circulation tomorrow, December 21, 2021, through the banking corporations and Israel Post, and at the Bank of Israel’s public cash window in Jerusalem.

 

Excerpt of remarks by the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog:

“The past two years have proven to all of us how wonderful our public healthcare system is.  Since the outbreak of the pandemic, which changed our lives immeasurably, we have become aware of exemplary dedication and commitment, of the uncompromising struggle for each patient, under complex conditions and tremendous uncertainty.  We now have the opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation, to recognize our medical teams for their contribution and their determined struggle for the lives and health of our citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.  I would like to thank you, my friend, Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Amir Yaron, for your calculated leadership throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and certainly at its beginning when the fogs of combat surrounded us all, for your vigorous efforts in stabilizing the financial system and returning it to growth.”

 

Excerpt of remarks by Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Amir Yaron:

“I am pleased at the opportunity that I have today to announce the issuance to the public of a special issue NIS 5 coin to commemorate and honor the contribution of the medical teams to the struggle against the pandemic, and to commemorate such a historic event on a coin, the legal tender of the state.  I have no doubt that in view of the depth of the crisis and its immense economic ramifications, the rapid response of healthcare workers in Israel contributed greatly to the Israeli economy’s resilience and survival.

 

Excerpt of remarks by Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz

“The administrative and technical workers, nurses, physicians, support staff, and all members of the healthcare system—you are our backbone.  You are the faces behind the successful struggle against the pandemic.

“Thank you to the Bank of Israel for this beautiful initiative, and to President Herzog for your support and encouragement.

“The COVID-19 virus proves that health is a fundamental component of national resilience no less than security and military strength.  As the omicron variant spreads, the healthcare system is also in serious need of funds, additional beds and manpower.  Together, we will overcome this wave as well.”

  

 

Picture of the coin:

 

 
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Design of the obverse side: Eitan Alon;  Design of the reverse side: Gabi Neuman, ob’m.

 

 

For more information on banknotes and coins issued by the Bank of Israel, please visit the Bank of Israel’s website at https://www.boi.org.il/en/Currency/Pages/Default.aspx

 

For questions and comments regarding Israel’s currency, please contact the Bank of Israel Currency Department by email at contact_currency@boi.org.il, or by phone at 1-800-300-018.


[1] https://www.boi.org.il/en/NewsAndPublications/PressReleases/Pages/2-7-21.aspx​