New York, NY, September 27, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today mourned the passing of Israel’s longest serving and most prominent leader and statesman, former President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres.
Marvin D. Nathan, ADL National Chair, and Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO, issued the following statement:
Literally present at the creation of the Jewish state, Shimon Peres was the diplomatic, political and social innovation face of Israel over a seven decade career. Through the years, he merged a stalwart, hands-on commitment to Israel’s viability and security with a dogged determination to promote peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors, including a two-state solution with the Palestinians. His moderation and insight not only drew world leaders and dignitaries to meet and consult with him, but also served Israel in its ongoing fight against delegitimization and other anti-Israel forces.
At an age when all of his contemporaries had entered retirement, along with taking up skydiving, Peres worked to promote social innovation and new advanced technologies for international social change and the greater good.
History will remember Peres for his tireless commitment, dedication and contributions to a secure Jewish state of Israel living in peace with its neighbors. In the weeks he spent in the hospital, the love he received from Israel and all across the globe reflects how meaningful he was for so many.
We will deeply miss his clarion voice, statesmanship and wisdom.
In September 2014, ADL honored Peres with its Distinguished Statesman Award in honor of his remarkable career in service to Israel and the Jewish people. At the honoring, he spoke about the miracle of the survival of the Jewish people, despite anti-Semitism and persecution through the ages and attempts by multiple Arab armies to destroy Israel and argued that “the greatest victory will be peace” between Israelis and Palestinians.
On the anniversary of ADL’s centennial, Peres presented a special message, which commended the League for its work to combat anti-Semitism as “the greatest sickness of our time."