President Shimon Peres on Thursday afternoon sent a letter to US President Barack Obama to express his sympathy to the people of the United States in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The text of the letter is as follows:

Dear Mr. President, Dear Friend,

From Jerusalem I am joined by the people of Israel in an expression of concern for the ravages caused by hurricane Sandy and the destruction it left in its wake. Our hearts go out to the people of America and I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this superstorm.

I am aware that the rehabilitation process in the aftermath of such a devastating event will constitute a complex challenge, but hope and pray that the physical and emotional damage it has caused will soon be relegated to the past. I am sure that as in previous occasions when the people of America had to face challenges posed by nature or man, this time, too, you will prevail.

We are looking with admiration upon the courage of the American people and its leaders in dealing with the present ordeal. Our hearts are with you.

With immense sympathy and friendship,

Shimon Peres

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)