“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.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)