Shas leader Aryeh Deri had warm words for the late ninth President of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres z”l, who was niftar early Wednesday morning 25 Elul in Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer Hospital in Tel Aviv.

Shas party leader Minister of the Interior Aryeh Deri, who knew Mr. Peres for over thirty years said, “I was with deep pain that I received the notification of the petira of the former President and Prime Minister, Shimon Peres, z”l. Shimon Peres was a true friend of mine. I cared for him greatly. I will always remember his wisdom, vision, sensitivity, and the respect he accorded to one and all.

“Shimon Peres honored and cared for lomdei Torah. He maintained a warm connection with the spiritual leader of Shas, HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L and always made sure to visit his home on chol hamoed, to seek advice, a bracha, or to just discuss current events with the rav. The passing of Shimon Peres is a great loss for the Jewish People and the State of Israel. The Shas party and all of Am Yisrael mourn his loss”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)