Jerusalem, Israel
THE LAST OF ISRAEL’S FOUNDING FATHERS – SHIMON PERES
As dignitaries arrive from all over the world, to pay their
respects to one of Israel’s greatest leaders Shimon Peres, it’s an opportunity
to reflect on who the man was in his life, and what he contributed to the State
of Israel before his death.
Perhaps, the greatest legacy he leaves behind is that he was
one of the founding fathers of the modern state of Israel. He worked diligently
in many areas of government, especially helping Israel to become a military and
nuclear power. He formed alliances with world powers, putting Israel on the
diplomatic world stage. He spoke often with heads of state regarding the
importance of maintaining Israel’s national security and its economic growth.
His career started before the state of Israel was born 68
years ago. Even when he “retired” from political service, in 2014, Peres
remained active as the head of the Peres Center for Peace. This writer was
invited to hear him speak during Purim this year, and as always, his message to
mostly young people was the hope of “peace”.
In his relentless quest
for that “peace”, Peres was a controversial figure playing the role of
mastermind behind the Oslo Accords, which he negotiated secretly, getting
Knesset approval quickly, before the signing of the accords at the White House
on September 13, 1993. It is interesting to note that many Israelis have come
to see the Oslo Accords as a failure in Israel’s efforts to make peace with the
Palestinians.
While Peres gave undying hope to the younger generation,
citizens did not always trust his compromising efforts towards a solution that
would satisfy both the Palestinians and Israelis and solve the on-going
conflict. Others were concerned with his vision for a New World Order. This
writer attended several of the gatherings that Peres hosted that brought
presidents of nations together in Israel to discuss globalization in areas of
politics, diplomacy, and economics. The gatherings were not that successful in
achieving genuine unity and developing partnerships.
Peres was not always as popular at home as he was abroad. He
never won a national election in Israel, yet managed to serve as prime minister
(through rotation governments; and, temporarily after the assassination of
Yitzhak Rabin). He also served as foreign minister, defense minister,
president, and in many other government appointments.
President Peres will be most remembered in recent years for
bringing dignity back to that office (after former President Moshe Katsav left
in disgrace, charged with sexual offenses). It was in his role as the ninth
Israeli president that Peres flourished as a man of the people – both in Israel
and within the international community. Tirelessly, he offered his wisdom and
experience to heads of state, diplomats, opinion makers, journalists,
celebrities, and the general public.
Peres was one of Israel’s greatest promotors. He was always
informed about the most modern technology available to mankind, and he
encouraged Israelis to take risks and explore avenues of innovation and
entrepreneurship. He was responsible for promoting Israel as the Start-Up
Nation, which drew many foreign leaders to come and do business with the Jewish
State.
Today, one of the reasons Israel is not isolated among the nations is
because so many in the international community have come to admire and respect
Israel for its brainpower in tech sectors; in research and development; in science;
in medicine; in cyber technology, etc. Peres was an expert in relating to
dignitaries in areas of soft-diplomacy….
a key policy of the Israeli government to deepen relationships between Israel
and other nations.
Today, the Arab world is experiencing major upheaval,
especially in the Middle East, where Peres envisioned Israelis living
peacefully with their neighbors. This is one of the sad moments of reality as
citizens mourn the death of Shimon Peres.
Still facing criticism into his 90’s, Peres raised some eyebrows
in his continued meetings with Pope Francis. As the two men drew closer in
friendship, working towards interfaith peace through religious tolerance, some
people of faith were alarmed that these efforts could lend themselves to a
constraint of individual religious freedoms rather than the development of
mutual respect.
In all his ups and downs, as a major figure in Israeli
politics, one thing cannot be denied, Peres worked determinedly towards Israel
becoming a state that would successfully reach its destiny as a “light to the
nations.” Regardless of political affiliation; of liberal or conservative
ideologies; today both Israelis and the global community, respectively, remember
Shimon Peres.
From the time of his major stroke on September 13, 2016,
until the time of his death, 15 days later on September 28, 2016, the people of
Israel were praying and preparing for the possibility he would not survive.
There is a certain sadness that prevails in his passing, as
the nation mourns. Going into the Fall Feasts -- remembering the sweetness of
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year; blowing the shofar to bring in the Feast of
Trumpets; these celebrations will be more subdued this year, as the family of
Shimon Peres sits “shiva” and as others remember a man who was called upon to
help shape the Jewish nation and steer it towards its future destiny.
Jesus said, in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as
the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”