“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former President and Prime Minister of Israel Shimon Peres. He was not only a great leader for his country, but one of the most profound statesmen our world has ever known.

“Serving in nearly every high office of government, Shimon Peres dedicated his life to his country and his people. He worked tirelessly to reaffirm their rights and freedoms and, following the systematic annihilation of six million fellow Jews, he worked to ensure their future by helping to establish an independent Jewish state. Shimon later devoted his life to the pursuit of peace and economic cooperation, an effort he pursued with determination and dignity until the end.

“I offer my deepest condolences to the Peres family and to all Israelis. I will remember Shimon as a friend to both me and my father, and honor him as a friend to all of New York and to all defenders of peace across the world.”
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)