Shimon Peres: further tributes

Tributes continue to published remembering  Shimon Peres, one of the founders of the modern state of Israel who passed yesterday at 93.

From Bill Shorten and Senator Penny Wong:

The Australian Labor Party has expressed our deep sadness at the passing of Shimon Peres.

The Nobel Peace laureate and former Israeli President and Prime Minister was a towering figure in both the 20th and 21st centuries, with an unwavering commitment to both Israel’s security, and peace in the Middle East.

Peres was present at the birth of Israel, and his death marks the passing of the last of the founders of the modern Israeli state.

He fought for the creation of Israel, and in a 65 year career of service occupied almost every significant position in Israeli political life including Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, President, and as a member of the Knesset for nearly 50 years.

Despite his early deep reservations about compromise with the Palestinians, Peres came to lead the search for a permanent and peaceful solution which would guarantee Israel’s future behind safe and secure borders.

This culminated in him being jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for negotiating the Oslo accords.

Sadly, the promise of that agreement is still to be fulfilled but Peres never gave up his quest for peace in the Middle East.

Today Labor pays tribute to the memory of a great man. We salute his legacy, modern Israel. We honour his life, lived for peace.

Mossad Director Yossi Cohen, along with the all Mossad personnel, mourns the passing of the ninth President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres.

For many years, Shimon Peres worked with the Mossad on its operations and work for the security of the State of Israel, and was one of the country’s most prominent leaders. He was a symbol of peace and brotherhood and as such, contributed greatly to building up the security of the State of Israel. May his memory be blessed.

ISA Director Yossi Cohen, along with the all ISA personnel, mourns the passing of the ninth President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres.

For many years, Shimon Peres worked with the ISA on its operations and work for the security of the State of Israel, and was one of the country’s most prominent leaders. He was a symbol of peace and brotherhood and as such, contributed greatly to building up the security of the State of Israel. May his memory be blessed.

Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC) Director Ze’ev Senir and the commission’s employees and retirees mourn the passing of former President, Prime Minister and Defense Minister Shimon Peres. His work is interwoven with the work of the IAEC since its founding.

Shimon Peres substantially contributed to the establishment of the Negev Nuclear Research Center and the foundation of Israel’s nuclear policy as a significant contribution in ensuring the national strength of the State of Israel. His legacy will accompany the work of the IAEC in the future as well. May his memory be blessed.

Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, mourns the passing of the ninth President of Israel, Shimon Peres and offers its sincerest condolences to his family and all of the people of Israel.

Former President Peres was a dedicated supporter of teaching the legacy of the Shoah, so that the Jewish people – and all humanity – may have a brighter future.  Shimon Peres worked tirelessly to further the causes of justice and peace for all humankind.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat:  “Today, the city of Jerusalem mourns the loss of President Shimon Peres, a visionary whose morality and belief in humanity and a better future inspired everyone who had the privilege of meeting him. Over the years, as Mayor of Jerusalem, I had the honor of experiencing countless unique Jerusalem moments with President Peres.

President Peres was a true friend of Jerusalem. At the beginning of every school year, President Peres accompanied Jerusalem’s students on the first day of classes, sharing his wisdom and experience with younger generations.Several years ago, on a tour of a Jerusalem neighborhood with former Israel President Navon, z”l, President Peres recognized and met old Jerusalem friends who he greeted warmly. President Peres participated every year in Jerusalem’s “Good Deeds Day” as a volunteer who always took a paint brush in hand and personally worked to make Jerusalem more beautiful.

With his endless vigor and energy, President Peres also experienced Jerusalem’s nightlife. Wearing a leather jacket, President joined us on several cold Jerusalem nights for tours of the City Center, at the Jerusalem Wine Festival, and at countless other events. Every time I met President Peres, he always had good advice to share. In every discussion, he offered a fresh perspective, and he always looked far into the future.

President Peres’ entire life was dedicated to founding, securing, and developing the State of Israel. President Peres played an important role in the founding of the State of Israel and in many important events in our country’s past. His story is the story of Israel. However, he was not only a wise scholar of global history. His rich history and deep knowledge and experience inspired him to dream and look towards the future. He shaped the very essence of our world’s history with his wisdom and actions. At the same time, he understood new technological advances and how to utilize them to benefit future generations.

President Peres inspired us and paved the way for us to continue strengthening the State of Israel. He encouraged us to look beyond the present and imagine a better future for Jerusalem, Israel, and the world. May his memory be a blessing.”

Naftali Bennett, Israel’s Minister for Education: “The last of the founding fathers has left us.

Shimon Peres was my education minister, and I will miss him very much. He didn’t watch history – he wrote it.

Peres was a practical visionary and peace-seeking security figure, a courageous leader. He proudly represented Israel around the globe, and cared for the future of the Jewish people with every ounce of his body and soul.

I was fortunate to meet Peres multiple times over the past few years, and to hear his vision of a country that would be a light unto the nations; an Israel that would export to the world our greatest product: the Jewish mind.

I was greatly moved when Peres accepted my request to join the public campaign for the study of sciences in Israel, even though we didn’t always see eye-to-eye on other issues.

At the most personal level, I will miss Shimon.

May his memory be a blessing.

I directed Israel’s education system to dedicate tomorrow to the life and achievements of Shimon Peres, and I call upon Jewish communities and schools to do the same, so the future generation for whom he fought will know who he was and be inspired by him. ”