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28 September 2016
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington joins in mourning the passing of Shimon Peres, z”l, the last of a generation of Israel’s founders. Peres was universally recognized as one of Israel’s greatest leaders and one of North American Jewry’s closest Israeli friends.
Peres was the architect of Israel’s defenses and a soldier for peace. He served the State of Israel for seven decades, most notably as prime minister, president, minister of defense, foreign affairs, transportation and finance.
Peres worked passionately – and optimistically – on behalf of Israel, the worldwide Jewish community and for peace. He never lost his hope for a better and more peaceful world. He famously said, “Optimists and pessimists die the same way. They just live very different lives.”
May the memory of Shimon Peres be a blessing, and may his children, Dr. Tsvia Walden, Yoni Peres and Nechemia Peres; grandchildren and great-grandchildren be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.