Surrounded by grieving family members and led by prayers, the coffin of former Israeli Prime Minister and President Shimon Peres left the Knesset in Jerusalem before the funeral ceremony at the Mount Herzl cemetery. Leaders from all over the world, including Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers and other heads of state, have gathered in Jerusalem to commemorate the elder statesman’s passing, an Israeli President loved by the International community for his unwavering pursuit of peace with Israel’s Arab neighbors, and his stanch efforts to bolster Israel’s standing around the world. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his address, praised the former Israeli leader for his love for Israel and for dedicating his live in hope for peace.
“So many leaders came from around the world to bid farewell from Shimon. It is a testament to his optimism, his quest for peace, his love of Israel. The people of Israel deeply appreciate the honor you have shown Shimon and the state to which he dedicated his life. Shimon lived a life of purpose, he soured to incredible heights, he swept so many with his hope. He was a great man of Israel. He was a great man of the world. Israel grieves for him. The world grieves for him. But we find hope in his legacy, as does the world,” praised Netayahu.
Among the world leaders who eulogized Shimon Peres were former US President Bill Clinton as well as President Barack Obama. The latter spoke about the significance of Peres to the Jewish nation and the fact that Shimon Peres, who was part of establishing Israel’s armed forces, believed that making peace with Israel’s neighbors was the best way to assure the security of the Jewish state.
“The child who wanted to be a poet of stars became a man who built Israel’s defense industries, who laid the foundations for the formidable armed forces that won Israel’s wars. His skills secured Israel’s strategic position, his boldness sent Israeli commando to Entebbe and rescued Jews from Ethiopia. His statesmanship built an unbreakable bond with the United States of America and so many other countries”/” He understood from hard earned experience that true security comes through making peace with your neighbors,” eulogized Obama.
Among the world leaders attending the ceremony were also the Prime Ministers of Sweden, Estonia and the Netherlands… the Presidents of France and Germany, as well as the Foreign minister of Egypt Sameh Shoukry and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.