“I must emphasize Shimon Peres’ tireless efforts to achieve peace, his significant contributions to Israel’s security, and his role in promoting the country as a leader in innovation,’’ stressed Dor Shapira, Israel’s ambassador to Portugal.
Shimon Peres was honored on Sunday in Portugal by the International Human Rights Observatory during a ceremony attended by family members of the late President of the State of Israel.
The ceremony was held at the headquarters of B’nai B’rith International in Oporto.
“The love story of a statesman and a state – Shimon Peres and Israel. I will sum up his long, rich career in 100 words and I will share with you seven of his contributions that shaped the state of Israel and that had worldwide impact,” said Tsvia Walden, Shimon Peres’ daughter.
Dor Shapira, Israel’s ambassador to Portugal said: “I must emphasize Shimon Peres’ tireless efforts to achieve peace, his significant contributions to Israel’s security, and his role in promoting the country as a leader in innovation.”
João Rebelo, a member of the Portuguese Parliament, said ‘’Peres was an elite statesman who represents the best of Israel: resilience, imagination, brilliance, bravery and courage.’’ ‘’ A devoted Zionist, he dedicated his life to seeing Israel born, grow, survive, and shine. He is an example for the new generations of Israel in an increasingly unstable and dangerous world,’’ he added.
Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA) emphasized that ‘’it is a miracle that Diaspora Jews today, unlike the generations before them stretching all the way back to the exile, can say proudly that there is a Jewish Homeland again. Even if they choose never to live there, Israel represents the very definition of hope fulfilled and is every Jew’s insurance policy. We have a strong refuge no matter what. Israel and the Jewish people are inseparable.”
“Peres was a man whose legacy of peace and human rights continues to inspire us. Having met him in 2013, I can attest to his profound impact on statesmanship and moral leadership. As we navigate today’s complex challenges, let us remember his enduring principles as a guide for building a more just and fraternal world,’’ said Belgian MP Michael Freilich.
B’nai B’rith Portugal’s members are active in Portuguese cities, as well as in Jerusalem, Miami, Paris, London, Hong Kong, Phnom Penh and Sydney.
‘’What really unites them is their spiritual homeland in Israel. That is why we are honoring Shimon Peres, a symbol of the possible consensus within a people involved in internal disputes for thousands of years. We are children of the Covenant, we are B´nai Brith,’’ said Gabriela Cantergi, President of B’nai B’rith Portugal.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem.