Remembering Shimon Peres (z”l)

“Peace with the Palestinians will open ports of peace all around the Mediterranean. The duty of leaders is to pursue freedom ceaselessly, even in the face of hostility, in the face of doubt and disappointment. Just imagine what could be.” – Shimon Peres (1923-2016)

I am so saddened by the passing of our family friend, Shimon Peres.

Shimon Peres (z”l) and Yithak Rabin (z”l) moved Israel forward, so near to a peace agreement, but even they could not make it a reality for the nation they loved. A prerequisite for peace is surely a strong and secure Israel, something Peres brought about through skill, weight of personality and a unique sense of urgency.

What is more, he carved routes where others could follow. He created a model of peace, and of possibility, that Rabin was able to take on. Peace may still seem far off, but the tools and practicalities are so much more advanced for the work of Peres.

Today we have moved into a new era, where those great statesmen and women who founded Israel are no longer by our side. It is for this generation, and for future generations, to determine the country’s fate.

As we say every Shabbat, may God continue to give strength to Israel and to its leaders who now guide her.

Peres said that his “only regret was not dreaming big enough”. Let us not do the same. Let us continue to dream and to act for peace, as he did.

May his memory be a blessing.