NJDC Congratulates Israel’s President Peres on Receiving Medal of Freedom

NJDC — June 13, 2012 – 7:17 pm | Barack Obama | Foreign Policy | Israel Comments (0) Add a comment

The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) today congratulated Israeli President Shimon Peres upon receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama at the White House. NJDC Chair Marc R. Stanley and President and CEO David A. Harris said jointly:

On behalf of the Board, membership and staff of the National Jewish Democratic Council, we congratulate President Peres on this tremendous honor of receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Likewise, as American Jews, we are proud and deeply gratified that the President of the United States has chosen to recognize the life’s work of one of Israel’s most important and central leaders.

Peres has served the state of Israel in so many different roles for more than 60 years; indeed he personally embodies the principles and spirit that gave rise to the Jewish state and continue to drive it to this day. On matters of conflict and peace, strengthening Israel domestically, and making Israel’s case to the world, Peres has been a remarkable leader. His place in the pantheon of Israeli heroes—such as David Ben Gurion, Golda Meir, Yitzhak Rabin, Abba Eban and others—is rightfully deserved. He is the archetype of what a Jewish leader is, and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom today is a testament to his exceptionalism.

Peres earned today’s award not just for his service to the Jewish state and the Jewish people, but for the examples and inspiration provided by his life’s work. Freedom has had few champions in the Middle East like Shimon Peres, but hopefully his distinguished career and his being recognized today will help to inspire many more.

 

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