Somaliland’s President, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, was honored with the Friends of Zion Award at a ceremony held Tuesday at the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem. The event celebrated Somaliland’s friendship with Israel, its cooperative relationship with the Jewish state, and its decision to establish an embassy in Jerusalem.
Dr. Mike Evans, who founded the Friends of Zion Heritage Center, presented the award to Abdillahi. The ceremony drew diplomats, business leaders, Christian leaders, and international guests.
Addressing those gathered, Abdillahi described the honor as deeply meaningful. “It is a great honor for me to receive the Friends of Zion Award. I am deeply moved and grateful for this recognition. This award symbolizes the growing friendship and strengthening ties between Somaliland and Israel. We are committed to further deepening the relationship between our peoples and building a future based on cooperation, mutual respect, and friendship. I thank Dr. Mike Evans and Friends of Zion for this distinguished honor.”
Evans praised Abdillahi’s leadership in building stronger ties with Israel, pointing specifically to the embassy decision. “At a time when Israel faces complex security and diplomatic challenges, true friendship carries special significance. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi has demonstrated leadership, courage, and vision in advancing relations with Israel and strengthening the bonds between our peoples.”
He went on to say, “The decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem sends a clear message of friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation.”
Evans also revealed his intention to bring Somaliland’s case directly to the White House. Recalling a personal connection to the region, he stated, “I was in Mogadishu in October 1993 when the Black Hawk was shot down. It’s time to bless all states that bless Israel.”
He continued, “Somaliland has shown genuine friendship toward the Jewish state, and I intend to speak with US President Donald Trump about the importance of formal American recognition of Somaliland.”
The Friends of Zion Award was created by the late Shimon Peres, who served as Israel’s ninth president and was the former international chairman of Friends of Zion. Organizers noted that roughly 26 world leaders have received the award over the years, among them President Donald Trump, former President George W. Bush, and former Vice President Mike Pence.
The Friends of Zion Heritage Center was established in Jerusalem in 2015 by Evans. The organization states that its mission includes fighting antisemitism, opposing the BDS movement, and building global support for Israel.
