Shimon Peres, the former President and Prime Minister of Israel, was hailed as “a soldier for Israel” by many during his long and distinguished political career. Peres, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 93, was a key figure in Israeli politics for over six decades and played a crucial role in shaping the modern state of Israel.
In a eulogy by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Shimon Peres was hailed as “a soldier for Israel.” Netanyahu praised Peres for his many years of service to the country in the military and politics. Peres served as prime minister three times and was also the president of Israel.
He was instrumental in the country’s development, helping to find the state of Israel and build its economy. Peres was also a key player in the peace process, working tirelessly to bring about lasting peace between Israel and its neighbours. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for his efforts. Peres was a true statesman and will be missed by all who knew him.
Born in Poland in 1923, Peres immigrated to Palestine with his family in the 1930s. At a young age, he joined the Haganah, the Jewish underground military organization, and quickly rose through the ranks. Peres fought in Israel’s War of Independence in 1948 and later served as Director-General of the Ministry of Defense, where he played a key role in building up Israel’s military capabilities.
Peres’ political career began in the 1950s when he was elected to the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, as a member of the Mapai party. He served in various ministerial positions under Prime Ministers David Ben-Gurion and Golda Meir, including Minister of Defense and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Peres was instrumental in negotiating the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, which laid the groundwork for a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.
In 2007, Peres was elected President of Israel, a largely ceremonial role that he used to promote peace and unity in the region. Throughout his career, Peres was known for his commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his belief in the power of dialogue and compromise.
Peres was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994, along with then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, for their efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East. He was also honoured with numerous other awards and accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.
In his later years, Peres became an influential voice in Israeli politics and a respected statesman on the world stage. He was admired for his intelligence, vision, and dedication to his country. He was often referred to as “a soldier for Israel” for his tireless service and commitment to the defence and prosperity of the Jewish state.
Shimon Peres was a true giant of Israeli politics, a statesman of great integrity and wisdom, and a champion of peace and diplomacy in the Middle East. His legacy as “a soldier for Israel” will continue to inspire generations of Israelis and all those who strive for a more peaceful and just world.
He finally died it was about time