By Robert A. Cohen
JERUSALEM — I was honored to represent AIPAC alongside other members of the American Jewish community, as we joined with the people of Israel and world leaders to honor the extraordinary life of Shimon Peres.
On a bright, windy morning on Mount Herzl, the three Peres children shared loving reflections about their father. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin paid respects with poignant anecdotes. And seated with them, President Barack Obama rose to share a moving tribute, including these words:
| “To the people of Israel, I could not be more honored to be in Jerusalem to say farewell to my friend Shimon Peres who showed us that justice and hope are at the heart of the Zionist idea. A free life in a homeland regained. A secure life in a nation that can defend itself, by itself. A full life in friendship with nations who can be counted on as allies, always.” |
Former President Bill Clinton also offered remarks, noting that Peres’ “critics described him as a naive, over-optimistic dreamer. They were only wrong about the naive part. He knew exactly what he was doing in being overly optimistic…he never gave up on anybody, I mean anybody. He started off life as Israel’s brightest student, became its best teacher, and ended up its biggest dreamer.”
Of great significance, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas attended today, shook hands with Prime Minister Netanyahu and was seated in the front row.
Together with friends, family and representatives from more than 70 countries, we listened to a stirring rendition of “Avinu Malkeinu” (“Our Father Our King”), a prayer which Shimon particularly loved and Jews recite each High Holiday season. And we joined together to bid farewell to a statesman whose life’s work enriched the whole world.
I was honored to have met with Shimon—a true giant of Israel—in Beit HaNassi (the President’s House), and to have participated in several meetings with him and members of Congress. Each time, those members and I were awestruck by this man’s persistent optimism and hope.
Today, several speakers recounted that Shimon was always forward-looking—always focused on the promise of what the future might hold.
That is the message I want to share with my AIPAC family as the Jewish community prepares to usher in the New Year.
I am grateful for the strong relationship between our two countries, evidenced today in Jerusalem—and at home where American flags nation-wide fly at half-staff to honor Shimon Peres. And I am proud to be part of a movement which, like this great man, constantly strives for a better tomorrow for the United States, Israel and the entire world. Thank you for being part of this noble effort.
I wish you and your family a happy, healthy and sweet New Year.
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Cohen is the president of AIPAC.