On Thursday 27 March 2025, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias attended the “Star for Merit and Valour Commendation Medal” award ceremony, held in the “Ioannis Kapodistrias” Hall of the Ministry of National Defence, in honour of Joseph Nissim, in recognition of his contribution as a Reserve Infantry Second Lieutenant in the Sacred Squadron, during the period of 1941 – 1945.
The commendation and medal were received by his son, Gabriele Nissim and daughter Marina Nissim.
The ceremony was also attended by the Chief/HNDGS, General Dimitrios Choupis, the Chief/HAGS, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, the Chief/HNGS, Vice Admiral Dimitrios- Eleftherios Kataras HN, and the Chief/HAFGS, Lieutenant General (HAF) Dimosthenis Grigoriadis.
In his address, the Minister of National Defence stated the following:
“We have gathered here with feelings of deep gratitude and respect to honour Joseph Nissim.
A worthy representative of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki. A flourishing community, which experienced one of human history’s darkest moments.
The Nazi “Final Solution” exterminated more than 60,000 Jews in concentration camps. 90% of Greece’s pre-war Jewish population.
Of course, I need not remind that, in World War II, Greece lost about 10% of its population, one of the highest numbers, if not the highest in Europe.
Once war was declared, Joseph Nissim voluntarily enlisted in the Hellenic Army and distinguished himself in battle as a reserve officer. He fought in the historic battle of El Alamein where the Axis forces’ advance to Alexandria was halted. Subsequently, he joined the Sacred Squadron. The Company of “Elite Immortals” as was its initial name. The Country’s first Special Forces unit.
A unit which was the historical successor to those who sacrificed themselves for the Greek Revolution.
His injury by a land mine did not bend his will. He continued the fight in Tunisia and the Aegean.
The Country, in recognition of his bravery and contribution, honoured him with the Medal for “Outstanding Acts” while alive.
After the war, he went to Italy, where, with a vision – as mentioned by his son – and discipline, he built a global conglomerate. Which demonstrates that military training, discipline, and bravery have an application in life’s overall struggles.
Mr. and Ms. Nissim,
Your father was a model of a person devoted to his country, who, by his actions, put solidarity, resilience, and faith in National Identity to the forefront.
Today, we, the Hellenic Armed Forces, render a tribute to his honour. By awarding him the “Star for Merit and Valour” Medal post mortem.
I would like to tell you that, for the Armed Forces, the death of a soldier for his Country is not the endpoint of human life. It is a point of transition from an individual life to a collective consciousness. To a collective National Memory. To the traditions of a country and a Nation.
In the name of the Ministry of National Defence, the Hellenic Republic, and me personally, I express my gratitude for the services he rendered to Greece.
His life course is an example to the country and to the ideals which the Armed Forces represent. His heroism, self-denial, discipline, and persistence are an example to future generations.
Meanwhile, I would like to express my appreciation for your love of Greece today. I am sure that, in honouring his memory, you will follow in his footsteps. Faithful to the ideals he served and represented.
With his legacy being his love for Greece, serving the Greek – Italian friendship, which is now granted and will cover us in the future.
Thank you very much”.