Simon Wiesenthal Centre honours Shimon Peres
The Simon Wiesenthal Centre and its Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles has awarded the Medal of Valor posthumously to the late Ninth President of Israel, Shimon Peres.
Chaim Peres and Michael Douglas Photo: The Peres Centre for Peace and Innovation
Chemi Peres, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Peres Centre for Peace and Innovation, received the medal on behalf of his late father.
Over a thousand guests attended the dinner, including actors and heads of the Hollywood film industry, such as Barbara Streisand, Ice Cube, Michael Douglas, and more. Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman of Universal Studios, received the Humanitarian Award.
Chemi Peres addressed the audience and said, “My father left behind a legacy of values, and in a few days we will all sit together around the Passover table and tell the story of the exodus from Egypt. My father’s legacy, similar to that of the exodus, teaches us not to be imprisoned by idols or slavery – but rather to be dedicated to morality, values and the constant aspiration to be a better person.”
“My father was made up of the future; he always dared and never stopped dreaming. Some people are afraid to dream out of fear of disappointment. My father was not – and I am so proud of him. So in his name I say – dream big. ”
The Simon Wiesenthal Centre, founded by Rabbi Marvin Hier, works to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and the Jewish people in Israel and in the Diaspora. Former recipients of the Medal of Valor have included Prime Minister of Israel Yitzhak Rabin, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Raoul Wallenberg, who saved tens of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust.
