Rivlin: Peres was ‘older brother’
Israeli President Reuven (Ruby) Rivlin eulogized Shimon Peres Friday, calling his late predecessor an “older brother” and spoke about Peres’ love for the land and his dreams for the State of Israel.
Israel president Reuven Rivlin at the casket bearing the remains of his predecessor, Shimon Peres. (Photo by Hillel Maier)
“You had the rare ability Shimon, to conceive what seemed to be the inconceivable, and see it to fruition. Your eyes saw far ahead, while your feet covered great distances on the landscape of Jewish and Zionist history. You always walked onward and upward, as a skilled mountaineer who secures his hook before ascending ever higher to the peak. This is how you lived your life. At first you would dream, and only when in your mind’s eye could you truly see the State of Israel reaching new heights, would you then begin to climb, and take us all with you towards the new goal,” Rivlin said.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called Peres “one of the greatest leaders our people have ever known,” and continued in English. Netanyahu said the presence of world leaders was a testament to his optimism, his quest for peace and his love of Israel.
Speaking in English, Netanyahu thanked Presidents Obama and Clinton, Prince Charles and others for the honor they showed for Peres. “The people of Israel deeply appreciate the honor you have shown Shimon, and the state to which he dedicated his life.
“Shimon lived a life of purpose- swept with vision and hope. He was a great man of Israel, a great man of the world. Israel grieves for him, the world grieves for him. But we find hope in his legacy, as does the world,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu also spoke about Peres’ eulogy for Yoni Netanyahu, the prime minister’s older brother who died during an IDF mission to rescue dozens of Jewish hostages from Entebbe, Uganda in July, 1976. Netanyahu noted that as defense minister Peres gave the order for that mission, and noted that Peres’ words to the family at the funeral created a deep connection between the two men that never broke.
“Even if we didn’t agree on many issues, our differences didn’t affect the deep friendship and admiration we shared,” Netanyahu said.
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton said he was always in awe of Peres’ capacity to move past challenges, and spoke about what he meant to someone who was not a citizen of this country. He referred to Peres as “our complicated, brilliant friend,” and added that admiration for Peres has spread throughout the Middle East.
“There are young people now throughout the region trying to break their mental and material chains, thanks in no small part to the inspiration [Peres] provided,” Clinton said.
Current US President Barack Obama was the only speaker to mention Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas, adding a prodding note to Netanyahu, with whom the president has had a fractured relationship, that Abbas’ presence was a reminder of “unfinished business.”
Peres “showed us that justice and hope at heart of the Zionist idea,” said Obama. “A free life in a homeland regained. A secure life in a nation that can defend itself, by itself. A full life, with nations that can counted on as allies.
Obama added Peres’ belief that of Judaism can be summed up as ‘faith and moral vision can triumph over all adversity.’
