Orders, decorations and medals of the State of Palestine are awarded according to a system established and implemented during the period 2009-2018 within the frame of the institutional and state-building process.
During this period, dozens of Heads of States and Governments, diplomats and international prominent figures have been granted these awards in recognition for their contribution in supporting the Palestinian cause and just peace in the region. Many other Palestinian personalities who contributed in raising the status of Palestine in various fields were also honored.
In the beginning of 2009, and in the frame of institutional and state building process towards the establishing of an independent Palestinian State, President Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine and Grand Master of the Orders, Decorations and Medals, entrusted Minister Majdi Khaldi, the Diplomatic Advisor to the President and Conseillere of the Orders, Decorations and Medals of the State of Palestine to lead the efforts of establishing the Palestinian awarding system, and put into act as soon as possible.
Mahmoud Abbas, also known by the kunya Abu Mazen, is the President of the State of Palestine and Palestinian National Authority. He has been the Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) since 11 November 2004, and Palestinian president since 15 January 2005. Abbas is a member of the Fatah party and was elected Chairman of Fatah in 2009.
Majdi Khaldi is a Palestinian diplomat and ambassador. He is currently the Senior Diplomatic Advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, holding the rank of Minister. Khaldi has previously served in the Palestinian National Authority from 1994 through 2006 in multiple roles, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Acting Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and Director General of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. Khaldi was also a member of the Palestinian negotiations support team for the implementation of the Oslo Accords with Israel. He is a current member of the Palestinian National Council.
The Palestinian awarding system was gradually established in three stages, and three Presidential decrees were issued in 2013, 2016 and 2018 following extensive consultations and efforts led by Minister Khaldi, and after reviewing the previous Palestinian awards, and the history of the international awarding systems.[1]
Three relevant publications including the Orders, Decorations and Medals of the State of Palestine, the Palestinian State’ symbols; the national anthem, the Palestinian flag and the emblem of Palestine, were issued and distributed to the Palestinian Embassies, governmental institutions, public libraries and accredited diplomatic corps in Palestine.
In the beginning of 2010, a number of senior awards were issued for Kings & Heads of States and Governments as they were the first aimed categories. In naming these awards, the names of Palestine, Jerusalem & Bethlehem were highlighted, which are: The Order of the Star of Palestine, the Order of Jerusalem, the Medal of the Star of Honor, and the Collar of Bethlehem. Many other Orders were issued for making diversity, and each level is to be awarded to different categories of Palestinian, Arab and international personalities.
The two most excellent Orders between (2009- 2016) were the Star of Palestine (Grand Cordon), which was awarded to President Vladimir Putin,[2] President Giorgio Napolitano,[3] President Hollande,[4] President Jacob Zuma, and the Grand Cordon of the Order of Jerusalem that was awarded to the Emir of Kuwait Sabah Al- Sabah,[5] King Abdullah II,[6] and many other Heads of States and Governments from all over the world.
As of 2017, the newly established Grand Collar of the Order of the State of Palestine became the most excellent Order, and was awarded to King Salman,[7] King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa,[8] President Xi Jinping,[9] and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.[10]
Between (1995- 2004) late President Yasser Arafat awarded medals and medallions to a large number of foreign and Palestinian personalities. The (Collar of Bethlehem 2000) was awarded to a number of Heads of States and Governments who visited Bethlehem during the year 2000 celebrations, and also awarded about 100 medals and medallions to Palestinian and foreign personalities.[11]
It was also necessary to establish new awards for Palestinian figures and institutions from several fields: political, national, literary, artistic and scientific. Therefore, the Order of Merit and Distinction (Gold and Silver Levels) was established in 2010, and was later updated in 2016.[12]
the Order of Culture, Science and Arts was also issued and is intended to be awarded to Palestinian and foreign intellects, authors, writers, poets, scientists, researchers and artists in appreciation of their significant works which succeeded at the national level.[13]
A special award: Palestinian Honorary Citizenship was also issued to be granted to esteem Arab & foreign figures, that have a special and strong relationship with Palestine. Martial Awards and Medals of civil and military services were also issued.[14]
In the beginning of 2013, and after issuing the Resolution for upgrading Palestine's status to an Observer State in the United Nations, President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree including all civil & martial awards, medals & medallions which were issued previously, while a new decree was issued in 2016, including new modifications in the Palestinian awards system, and in 2018, President Abbas issued a third decree that included all the new modifications.
Two new Orders were also established bearing the names of the two Palestinian leaders, President Yasser Arafat and President Mahmoud Abbas.
It is a custom to grant awards in a special celebration to be held in the Palestinian Presidency, whether by the presence of the President who will grant the award himself, or delegating a deputy in case of being absent, delegating a special envoy, or to entrust the Ambassadors of Palestine to carry out this task in case the ceremony occurs abroad.
The Grand Collar of the State of Palestine can be awarded by the order of the President to Kings, Heads of States and Governments and those of similar standing. It can be awarded as well to prominent Palestinian and foreign personalities who have provided outstanding services to Palestine.[15][16][17][18][18] The Grand Coron can be awarded by the order of the President to Kings, Heads of States and Governments and those of similar standing. It can be awarded as well to prominent Palestinian and foreign personalities who have provided outstanding services to Palestine.[15][19]
The Star of Merit is a distinctive level that can be awarded by the order of the President, to Ministers, Ambassadors, Envoys, Governors, Members of Parliaments, Representative of Parties and those of similar standing.[20][21][22] The Star of Freedom is a special level in this Order that can be awarded by the order of the President to Palestinian and Foreign Activists who are working for peace. It can be awarded as well, to Members of Parliaments, Representative of parties who supports the freedom and independence of the State of Palestine. It also can be awarded to Palestinian and foreign institutions and officials, businessmen and representatives of civil society, in recognition for outstanding services to the State of Palestine.[23]
The Knight of Palestine is a level in this Order that can be awarded by the order of the President to outstanding and extraordinary individuals in various fields. Those include civil servants, private sector and civil society activists, as well as Arab and foreign individuals of the same rank.[24]
The Order of Jerusalem
Grand Coron
Grand Star
Star of Jerusalem
Star of Peace
Knight of Jerusalem
The Grand Cordon is the first high level of this Order and can be awarded by the order of the President to Kings, Presidents, Heads of Governments and those of similar standing. It can be awarded, as well, to prominent Palestinian and foreign personalities who have provided outstanding services to Palestine.[25] The Grand Star is the second-highest level of this Order and can be awarded by the order of the President to Heads of Governments, Ministers, Envoys, Leaders of Parliaments and Parties, and those of similar standing. It can be awarded, as well, to prominent Palestinian, Arab and foreign personalities who have similar standing.[26]
Star of Jerusalem is a distinctive level in this Order and can be awarded by the order of the President, to Ministers, Ambassadors, Envoys, Governors, Members of Parliaments, Representative of Parties and those of similar standing. It can be awarded, as well, to prominent Palestinian, Arab and foreign personalities who have provided significant services to Palestine.[27] The Star of Peace is a special level in this Order and can be by the order of the President to Palestinian and Foreign Activists who are working for peace. It can be awarded as well, to Members of Parliaments, Representative of parties who supports the freedom and independence of the State of Palestine. It also can be awarded to Palestinian and foreign institutions and officials, businessmen and representatives of civil society, in recognition for outstanding services to the State of Palestine.[25]
The Knight of Jerusalem is a motivating and inspiring level in this Order and can be awarded by the order of the President to outstanding and extraordinary individuals in various fields. Those include civil servants, private sector and civil society activists, as well as Arab and foreign individuals of the same rank.[28]
Order of President Yasser Arafat
Grand Coron (Star of Honor)
Star of Jebus
Medal of Bravery
The Grand Cordon (Star of Honor) is the highest level of this Order that can be awarded by the order of the President to Kings, Heads of States and Governments and those of similar standing, it can also be given to the Heads of the National Council and the Legislative Council and the Chairman and Members of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Chairman's and Secretaries General of the Palestinian factions and parties, and of similar standing. It can be awarded as well for Palestinian and Foreign dignitaries that provided of substantial and unprecedented contributions to the Palestinian people.[25]
The Star of Jebus is a distinctive level in this Order that can be awarded by the order of the President, to Ministers, Ambassadors, Envoys, Governors, Members of Parliaments, Representative of Parties and those of similar standing.[25] The Medal of Bravery is a level in this Order that can be awarded by order of the President, to those who have demonstrated courage, initiative and significant performance of their duty towards their work and their homeland.[25]
Order of President Mahmoud Abbas
Grand Collar of Canaanites
Star of Friendship
Medal of Achievement
The Grand Collar of Canaanites is the highest level in this Order that can be awarded by the order of the President to Kings, Heads of States and Governments and those of similar standing, it can also be given to the Heads of the National Council and the Legislative Council and the Chairman and Members of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Chairman's and Secretaries General of the Palestinian factions and parties, and of similar standing. It can be awarded as well for Palestinian and Foreign dignitaries that provided of substantial and unprecedented contributions to the Palestinian people.[25]
The Star of Friendship is a distinctive level in this Order that can be awarded by the order of the President to Ministers, Ambassadors, Envoys, Governors, Members of Parliaments, Representative of Parties and those of similar standing.[25] The Medal of Achievement is a motivating level in this Order that can be awarded by the order of the President to distinguished and creative talents and persons who realized significant achievements and perseverance in the field of their specialties and work.[25]
Order of Bethlehem
Grand Collar of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem
The Grand Collar of Bethlehem is the highest level in this Order that can be awarded by the order of the President to Kings, Presidents, Heads of Governments and those of similar standing. It can be awarded, as well, to prominent Palestinian and foreign personalities who have provided outstanding services to Palestine.[25][29] The Star of Bethlehem is a distinctive level in this Order that can be awarded by the order of the President to Ministers, Ambassadors, Envoys, Governors, Members of Parliaments, Representative of Parties and those of similar standing.[30]
Order of Merit and Distinction
Gold
Silver
The gold variant can be awarded by the order of the President to Ministers, Ambassadors, members to the houses of representatives and senate, representatives of parties and Palestinian, Arab and foreign personalities, and those of similar ranking, as well as to the prominent Palestinian personalities who have provided significant services to the country.[25][31] The silver variant can be awarded by the order of the President to Ministers, Ambassadors, members to the houses of representatives and senate, representatives of parties and Palestinian, Arab and foreign personalities, and those of similar ranking, as well as to the prominent Palestinian personalities who have provided significant services to the country.[32]
Order of Culture, Science and Arts
Grand Star
Brilliance Level
Creativity Level
Innovation Level
The Grand Star of the Order can be awarded by the order of the President to prominent writers, authors, poets, scientists, intellectuals, university professors and artists in the domains of fine art, theater, music, cinema and other special forms of art. This order is also awarded to such individuals who promote the image of Palestine and Palestinian culture and arts worldwide.[33]
The Brilliance Level of the Order can be awarded by the order of the President to the major Palestinian and foreign intellects, authors, writers, poets, scientists, researchers and artists in appreciation of their excellent works which succeeded at both national and international levels. It can be also awarded to institutions that provided distinguished works and services to Palestine and the humanity.[34]
The Creativity Level of the Order can be awarded by the order of the President to Palestinian and foreign intellects, authors, writers, poets, scientists, researchers and artists in appreciation of their significant works which succeeded at the national level. It can be also awarded to institutions that provided distinguished works and services to Palestine.[35]
The Innovation Level of the Order can be awarded by the order of the President to Palestinian and foreign intellects, authors, writers, poets, scientists, researchers and artists in appreciation of the significant works succeeded at both local and national levels in encouraging them to continue with giving and progress.[36]
Civilian Medals
Honorary Palestinian Citizenship
Honorary Palestinian Citizenship
The Honorary Palestinian Citizenship can be awarded by the order of the President to Arab and foreign personalities who have provided significant services to Palestine, in recognition of the role thereof and as encouragement to continue their support to the State of Palestine.[37]
Medal of Merit and Distinction
Gold Medal
Silver Medal
“Gold” Medal of Merit and Distinction can be awarded by the order of the President to Ministers, Ambassadors and members of the parliament as well as to Palestinian personalities and individuals who have provided outstanding services in addition to Arab and foreign personalities.[38] “Silver” Medal of Merit and Distinction can be awarded by the order of the President to senior officials of the State, as well as to Palestinian personalities and individuals who have provided outstanding services in addition to Arab and foreign personalities.[39]
Medals of Al Quds
Silver / Gold Medals
Medals of Al Quds can be awarded by the order of the President to personalities and members of the Palestinian people who have provided services to the county and can be awarded to Arab and foreign personalities.[40]
Military Orders
Star of Palestine
The Military Order of the Star of Palestine is considered a middle rank military order that can be awarded by the order of the President to Palestinian, Arab and foreign military and security leaders who have provided services to Palestine.[41]
Military Medals
Military Medals
Medal of Sacrifice
Medal of Duty
Medal of Distinguished Service
Medal of Excellence
Medal of Bravery
Medal of Appreciation
Medal of Honor
Medal of War Injuries
Medal of Training
Medal of Special Promotions
The following is a list of military medals, each consisting of three levels (Gold, Silver and Bronze):
The Medal of Sacrifice is composed of three ranks (Gold- Silver- Bronze) and can be awarded by the order of the President to military personnel and civilians of the staffs and troops of the Palestinian security services who have provided services to the country, and demonstrated bravery and courage in serving the institutions and the homeland. It can also be awarded to civilians who have played major roles in supporting the Palestinian security forces in performing the duty thereof.
The Medal of Duty is composed of three ranks (Gold- Silver- Bronze) and can be awarded by the order of the President to military personnel and civilians of the staffs and troops of the Palestinian security services who have provided services to the country, and demonstrated bravery and courage in serving the institutions and the homeland. It can also be awarded to civilians who have played major roles in supporting the Palestinian security forces in performing the duty thereof.
The Medal of Distinguished Service is composed of three ranks (Gold- Silver- Bronze) and can be awarded by the order of the President to military personnel and civilians of the staffs and troops of the Palestinian security services who have loyally, honestly and efficiently performed their duties within limited and continual periods of time.
The Medal of Excellence is composed of three ranks (Gold- Silver- Bronze) and can be awarded by the order of the President to military personnel and civilians of the staffs and troops of the Palestinian security services in appreciation of their distinctiveness in the performance of their national duty.
The Medal of Bravery is composed of three ranks (Gold- Silver- Bronze) and can be awarded by the order of the President to military personnel and civilians of the staffs and troops of the Palestinian security services in appreciation of their heroic and courageous in defense home.
The Medal of Appreciation is composed of three ranks (Gold- Silver- Bronze) and can be awarded by the order of the President to military personnel and civilians of the staffs and troops of the Palestinian security services in appreciation of their acts of outstanding courage and heroic service to the nation.
The Medal of Honor is composed of three ranks (Gold- Silver- Bronze) and can be awarded by the order of the President to military personnel and civilians of the staffs and troops of the Palestinian security services appreciation of their honoree serve to their country and their courage and heroic acts.
The Medal of War Injuries is composed of three ranks (Gold- Silver- Bronze) and can be awarded by the order of the President to military personnel and civilians of the staffs and troops of the Palestinian security services who have been injured in the field or during the performance of the duty where the injury is proved, based on a report by the competent medical committee or the field commander, to be a result of enemy actions or the performance of the duty. It can also be awarded to a civilian who is injured in the field while performing the duty.
The Medal of Training is composed of three ranks (Gold- Silver- Bronze) and can be awarded by the order of the President to military personnel and civilians of the staffs and troops of the Palestinian security services who have passed a high level of training and proved high commitment and performance.
The Medal of Special Promotions is composed of three ranks (Gold- Silver- Bronze) and can be awarded by the order of the President to military personnel and civilians of the staffs and troops of the Palestinian security services at extraordinary promotion for performing an excellent job or at assuming higher offices while on duty.
The Palestinian National Authority is the interim self-government body established in 1994 following the Gaza–Jericho Agreement to govern the Gaza Strip and Areas A and B of the West Bank, as a consequence of the 1993 Oslo Accords. Following elections in 2006 and the subsequent Gaza conflict between the Fatah and Hamas parties, its authority had extended only in areas A and B of the West Bank. Since January 2013, the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority uses the name "State of Palestine" on official documents.
The history of the State of Palestine describes the creation and evolution of the State of Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Palestine, officially the State of Palestine, is a de jure sovereign state in Western Asia claiming the West Bank and Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as the designated capital, although its administrative center is currently located in Ramallah. The entirety of territory claimed by the State of Palestine has been occupied by Israel since the Six-Day War in 1967. Palestine has a population of 4,816,503 as of 2016, ranked 123rd in the world.
The Palestinian government is the government of the Palestinian Authority or State of Palestine. Since June 2007, there have been two competing governments in the Palestinian territories, one in the West Bank and the other in the Gaza Strip. The government on the West Bank was generally recognised as the Palestinian Authority Government. On the other hand, the government in the Gaza Strip claimed to be the legitimate government of the Palestinian Authority. Until June 2014, when the Palestinian Unity Government was formed, the government in the West Bank was the Fatah-dominated Palestinian government of 2013. In the Gaza Strip the government was the Hamas government of 2012. Following two Fatah–Hamas Agreements in 2014, on 25 September 2014 Hamas agreed to let the PA Government resume control over the Gaza Strip and its border crossings with Egypt and Israel, but that agreement had broken down by June 2015, after President Abbas said the PA government was unable to operate in the Gaza Strip.
General elections were scheduled to be held in the State of Palestine between April and October 2014 in accordance with the Fatah–Hamas Gaza Agreement of April 2014. However, the elections were then delayed indefinitely. In October 2017, Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation deal in which Hamas agreed to dissolve the unity government in Gaza and hold general elections by the end of 2018, but the elections again were not held.
Indo-Palestinian relations have been largely influenced by the independence struggle against British colonialism. India recognized Palestine's statehood following declaration on 18 November 1988; although relations between India and PLO were first established in 1974.
Le Trio Joubran is an oud trio playing traditional Palestinian music. The trio consists of the brothers Samir, Wissam, and Adnan Joubran, originally from the city of Nazareth, now dividing their time between Nazareth, Ramallah and Paris. The Joubran brothers come from a well-known family with a rich artistic heritage. Their mother, Ibtisam Hanna Joubran, sang the Muwashahat while their father, Hatem, is among the most renowned stringed-instrument makers in Palestine and in the Arab world. They are the first oud trio.
Carlos Antonio Salom Zulema is an Argentine-born Palestinian footballer.
The United States of America does not recognize the State of Palestine and therefore officially maintains no diplomatic exchanges nor consular services with Palestine.
The Palestinian–Serbian relations are bilateral relations between the State of Palestine and the Republic of Serbia. Relations between Serbia and Palestine have been very close and friendly. Even though Serbia had reestablished relations with Israel in 1991, its relations with Palestine still remain excellent.
Palestine 194 is the name given to a diplomatic campaign by the Palestinian National Authority to gain membership in the United Nations for the State of Palestine. The name of the campaign is a reference to Palestine becoming the 194th member of the UN. The campaign is part of a strategy to gain international recognition of the State of Palestine based on the borders prior to the Six-Day War, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The initiative developed during a two-year impasse in negotiations with Israel that followed the latter's refusal to freeze its settlement activities in the West Bank. The campaign was reported in the media as early as late 2009, and gained prominence during the leadup to the 66th Session of the General Assembly in September 2011. President Mahmoud Abbas submitted the application to the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on 23 September 2011; the Security Council has yet to vote on it. In September 2012, the Palestinian Authority announced a draft resolution according non-member observer state status to Palestine, which the General Assembly passed on 29 November 2012.
The Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority was the position of the official head of government of the Palestinian Authority government, which operated between 2003 to January 2013, when it was officially transformed into the State of Palestine. Some still refer to the position of the Prime Minister of the Gaza Strip as the Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority.
The Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization is the leader of the Executive Committee (EC) of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the executive body of the PLO, which was established in 1964. The Chairman represents the PLO and the Palestinian people before the international community, including the United Nations. The Chairman is chosen by the members of the PLO EC. Since 29 October 2004, Mahmoud Abbas has been the Chairman of the PLO EC.
The international recognition of the State of Palestine has been the objective of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) since the Palestinian Declaration of Independence proclaimed the establishment of the State of Palestine on 15 November 1988 in Algiers, Algeria at an extraordinary session in exile of the Palestinian National Council. The declaration was promptly acknowledged by a range of countries, and by the end of the year, the proclaimed state was recognized by over 80 countries. As of 3 August 2018, 137 of the 193 United Nations (UN) member states and two non-member states have recognized it. Furthermore, Palestine has been a non-member observer state of the UN since November 2012.
Said Tawfiq Khoury was a prominent Palestinian Christian entrepreneur and philanthropist. He was one of the three founders of Consolidated Contractors Company, currently based in Athens. Khoury set up the business with his cousin Hasib Sabbagh in Beirut in 1952.
Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh is the Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority and economic expert born in Tell, Nablus, in 1958. He served as minister of public works and housing, and minister of the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction and holds a doctorate in economic development from the University of Sussex. He worked as a professor and dean at Birzeit University and has published several books on economics, politics and history.
Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Palestine are close and considered to be cordial. Bangladesh has been a consistent supporter of the Palestinian campaign for an independent state, and has no diplomatic relations with Israel. Furthermore, Bangladesh offers scholarships to young Palestinians, and the two countries co-operate on military affairs.
Luxembourg–Palestine relations are bilateral relations between the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the State of Palestine. Relations between the two countries are friendly.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
Medal of Sacrifice
Medal of Duty
Medal of Distinguished Service
Medal of Excellence
Medal of Bravery
Medal of Appreciation
Medal of Honor
Medal of War Injuries
Medal of Training
Medal of Special Promotions
