Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky has issued the following statement:

The Jewish Agency for Israel and I personally bow our heads in mourning upon the passing of the ninth President of Israel, Shimon Peres.

Throughout his many roles in Israel’s leadership and over many years, Peres was always driven by a deep sense of responsibility toward the entire Jewish people. He concerned himself with the fate and future of the entire nation, but also with each of its sons and daughters, both near and far.

As he looked toward the future and developed his vision, he always considered how best to ensure Israel’s place among the nations and each individual Jew’s place within the Jewish people.

On a personal note, Avital and I always felt that our struggle was important to him. We will always remember that he used his contacts and influence to open doors for Avital around the world in order to advance our struggle.

When I was released from captivity and arrived in Israel, he was the first Israeli I saw upon landing when he came as prime minister to greet me. I will always remember him as the individual who started the Israeli chapter of my life.

I have always admired his devotion to his values and vision. He will be sorely missed by all of Israel and the entire Jewish people.

May his memory be a blessing.

PHOTO: Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky and ninth President of Israel Shimon Peres in conversation at the Peres Center for Peace in Jaffa, Israel, April 7, 2015.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos Credit: David Shechter for The Jewish Agency for Israel)