On the Passing of Shimon Peres, z”l

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of Orthodox rabbis in North America, mourns the death of former Prime Minister and President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres, of blessed memory.

Rabbi Shalom Baum, president of the RCA, said, “The Jewish world is indebted to President Peres for his accomplishments on behalf of the State of Israel. Those of us who had the privilege of meeting him were taken by his warm heart, brilliant intellect, and poetic tongue. His hope, his dreams, his optimism and aspirations endeared him to us and leaders around the world.”

Mr. Peres lived his life dedicated to the State of Israel and the Jewish people. His biography is that of the State of Israel. His service predated the state and continued unabated to the present. He served in the Knesset for 48 consecutive years and as a member of 12 cabinets. The indefatigable Mr. Peres served twice as Prime Minister of the State of Israel and was the ninth president of Israel from 2007 to 2014. He became Israel’s voice for hope and optimism.

Rabbi Elazar Muskin, first vice president of the RCA added, “Shimon Peres represented the pioneer spirit that built the country. He came to Israel from Europe as a young boy and loved to recount loved to recount the last image he had of his grandfather, a rabbi, at their emotional parting at the train station when he left for Israel. The image of his grandfather and his commitment to Jewish faith were sources of inspiration for him throughout his life. His extraordinary talent of being able to bridge, with elegance, the divide between secular and religious is irreplaceable.”