TEL AVIV – After 10 years as executive director of the Peres Center for Peace, Dr. Ron Pundak is leaving the organization dedicated to building trust between ordinary Israeli and Palestinian citizens and person-to-person diplomacy with the Arab world.
No reason was given in an announcement from Peres Peace Center president Amnon Lipkin-Shahak, but San Diego Jewish World understands that Pundak is facing major health problems.
In a written statement, Lipkin-Shahak said:
“On this occasion, we express our deep gratitude to Ron for his great contributions to the Peres Center for Peace over the years, making the organization a world leader in peacebuilding activities. Ron is a true man of peace, designing and implementing many initiatives that have enhanced real personal, economic and cultural relationships with our neighbors, and first and foremost with the Palestinians. He embodies the moral face of Israel and will no doubt continue to contribute to advancing peace in our region.
“Under Ron’s leadership, the Peres Center has expanded its activities in many fields. Each year, over a thousand Palestinian children have been treated in Israeli hospitals; 150 Palestinian doctors have taken part in specialized training in Israeli hospitals; more than sixty thousand Israeli and Palestinian children have participated in peace education activities through arts and culture; over ten thousand children from 35 Israeli and Palestinian peripheral communities have participated in hundreds of sporting activities; over 100 peace organizations from both sides joined the Peace NGO Forum led by Dr. Pundak and our Palestinian partner; hundreds of businessmen from both sides met and conducted private sector deals; thousands of tons of Palestinian agricultural products have been marketed abroad as part of Israeli-Palestinian professional cooperation projects; hundreds of meetings and activities were held between representatives of civil society on both sides, including journalists, psychologists, teachers, administrators, politicians and more.
“Mr. Asi Shariv has been appointed as Acting Director General of the Peres Center for Peace.”
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Preceding based on material provided by the Peres Center for Peace