Defense Minister Israel Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir honored 20 organizations, municipalities, and academic institutions for their exceptional support of Israeli reservists and their families. The 'Defense Minister's Shield' was awarded in recognition of sustained efforts to assist reservists over more than two years of ongoing conflict. Katz praised the recipients as the vanguard of the nation, emphasizing the crucial role of reservists in countering persistent threats. Zamir highlighted the importance of strong ties between the military and civilian society, noting that true security depends on comprehensive support for fighters both during and after their service. The winners were selected by a committee representing government, military, business, and education sectors, with recognition given for policies and initiatives that aid reservists in their transition back to civilian life.