Israel Aerospace head Levi receives Bialkin Leadership Award from America-Israel Friendship League

Boaz Levi, CEO and president of Israel Aerospace Industries, was presented with the Kenneth J. Bialkin Leadership Award from the America-Israel Friendship League at the organization’s annual dinner this past week. The award symbolizes IAI’s contribution to Israel’s defense, both during the war and in peacetime, and its being a major part of the strong relations between the United States of America and Israel.

The event recognized the contributions of individuals and organizations that have championed the friendship between the United States and Israel. The awards presented at the event highlighted efforts to strengthen the bonds of mutual respect and collaboration shared by both nations. 

In his remarks, Levi said: “The AIFL annual award event symbolizes the long-term connection between our nations, our culture, and our friendship. It is one part of the long history of collaboration. As a related example, President Ronald Reagan’s vision, 'to hit a bullet with a bullet,' led to the anti-ballistic shield we built in Israel under the leadership of the USA-MDA and the Israeli MOD, where IAI is the prime contractor." 

"As a system engineer and director who led this program for so many years, it’s my privilege to point out that just a few days ago, the Arrow system intercepted an incoming ballistic missile that was launched from Yemen to Israeli cities, saving many innocent lives and an untold amount of damage,” he added.

A warning for mankind

Levi called October 7 "a warning for mankind."

"This war is an existential war for democratic values all over the world, not just a war for Jewish survival," he said. "Israelis are fighting for our homes and our loved ones. We are also fighting for our cherished beliefs. These are the same principles of freedom, diversity, respect, and human dignity that our friends in America hold dear to their hearts.  Within hours of the attack, our 15,000 employees — some of them from southern Israel and feeling the direct impact of Hamas’ brutal terrorist actions — were already in IAI’s facilities preparing the manufacturing lines, integration labs, and support equipment."

Levi recalled how  the holiday of “Simchat Torah,” a day of celebration, turned to grief.

"We stood together with a fighting spirit in our eyes, working around the clock to meet the demands," he said. "Israel Aerospace Industries will continue to support the IDF mission by providing a technological advantage in space, air, land, and sea. Our satellites, UAVs, interceptors, radar, intelligence technologies, naval systems, and modern autonomous land base capabilities are making the difference during this war.”