Israel and the world say goodbye to Shimon Peres

Israel and the world say goodbye to Shimon Peres
By Robert Hackwill
Share this articleComments
Share this articleClose Button
Copy/paste the article video embed link below:Copy to clipboardCopied

Former Israeli President Shimon Peres is laid to rest in Jerusalem as a host of world leaders gather in his memory.

ADVERTISEMENT

The state of Israel and leaders from around the world have paid tribute to former Israeli president and the last surviving member of Israel’s founding fathers, Shimon Peres.

In an at times moving and emotional ceremony even for the impartial observer family members sat side by side with presidents and crown princes, political rivals spoke of their common beliefs, and enemies shook hands. Tears were shed, and smiles exchanged.

“Shimon held the view that peace was the real security and that if there was peace, security would be the result. I told him that in the Middle East, security was the essential condition to get peace. And you know what conclusion I arrived at? As time went by, we were both right,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The longest eulogy, a 20-minute speech, was delivered by the final guest, US President Barack Obama. Like Netanyahu, Obama did not shy away from making some political points.

“The last of the founding generation has now gone, Shimon accomplished enough things in his life for a thousand men, but he understood that it is better to live to the very end of his time on Earth with a longing not for the past, but for the dreams that have not yet come true.”

Peres was not universally loved in Israel despite his enormous contribution to the country, and had fierce critics, but few would deny him his place in history.

Share this articleComments

You might also like

WATCH: Families of female Israeli hostages protest in Tel Aviv

Netanyahu rival Benny Gantz makes 'unauthorised' visit to US for talks

WATCH: Families of hostages held in Gaza launch 4-day march from southern Israel