Former PM Ariel Sharon. General and statesman
Photo: AFP
MK Yoel Hasson. Family gave their blessing
New initiative: Israel Prize to Ariel Sharon
Kadima MK Yoel Hasson proposes awarding prize to former PM: 'It seems as if category in field of life work and special contribution to society was especially designed for Sharon'
Knesset Member Yoel Hasson (Kadima) proposed Tuesday to award Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon the 2007 Israel Prize for life work, in light of his extraordinary contribution to the State of Israel. The offer automatically makes Sharon a nominee for the prize.
In his proposal, MK Hasson explained why Sharon, who has been hospitalized in a state of coma ever since suffering a stroke in January, deserves the prize: "It seems as if the Israel Prize category in the field of life work and special contribution to society was especially designed for Ariel Sharon."
"An outstanding soldier throughout the chain of command, the hero of the Yom Kippur War, an admired general, a Knesset member and minister for many years and one of the most popular prime ministers in the history of the State of Israel, Sharon is more than worthy of the Israel Prize," Hasson stated.
The MK said that during Sharon's army service he took part in wars and was awarded many citations.
Referring to Sharon's political career, Hasson said: "Sharon was elected to the Knesset in 1974 and served as a parliament member for over 30 years… as a prime minister he brought to a dramatic decrease in terror activity and in the number of Israeli casualties during the second intifada and had led one of the most important historical moves in the last decades, the disengagement from Gaza."
On a personal note, Hasson recounted: "I had the privilege of working along side one of the greatest figures in the history of the State of Israel… Sharon will forever be remembered as one of the greatest, most influential leaders of the Jewish people. Unfortunately, this may be the last chance for the State of Israel and the people of Israel to thank the man for his enormous contribution."
Hasson submitted Sharon's candidacy for the prize after consulting his family members, who gave their blessing to the initiative.
