Israelis, dignitaries gather to pay tribute to Peres
Thousands of Israelis flocked to parliament in Jerusalem on Thursday to view the casket of Shimon Peres, paying final respects to the former president and prime minister whose life story mirrored that of his country. But the outpouring is only going to get bigger as dignitaries began arriving for the Friday funeral, expected to be Israel’s largest since that of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Peres’ partner in peace who was slain by a Jewish nationalist in 1995. Parliament spokesman Yotam Yakir said about 25,000 Israelis had arrived by midday Thursday, and he expected that to double by evening, a staggering number when people are hectically preparing for the Jewish New Year holiday that begins Sunday.
SECURITY OPERATION
Security in Jerusalem is tight at the best of times, but with Israel expecting more than 90 delegations from 70 countries, the emphasis on keeping global dignitaries safe will be higher than ever. The complicated security operation includes closing the major highway from the airport, as well as shutting down a large part of Jerusalem. Schools near the Mount Herzl national cemetery are to be closed, and as many as 8,000 officers are being deployed for the event.
WORLD LEADERS ATTENDING
Among the world leaders who have confirmed their participation are U. S. President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande, German President Joachim Gauck, Prince Charles of Britain and King Felipe VI of Spain. Former U. S. president Bill Clinton visited Peres’ casket as it lay in state in the plaza outside the Knesset, or parliament, as soldiers in uniform, teenagers from youth movements and Israelis from all walks of life lined up to pay their respects.
ABBAS EXPRESSES SORROW
After an initial hesitation due to the collapse of peace efforts, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas confirmed his participation in the funeral, as did representatives from Egypt and Jordan — the two Arab countries at peace with Israel. Arab leaders have remained largely silent over Peres’ death. Abbas was one of the few to express sorrow.
A representative said he wanted to attend the funeral to send a message to Israeli society that despite the current stalemate, Palestinians still believe in peace and appreciate men of peace like Peres.
A spokesman for Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, urged Abbas to cancel.
Khalid al- Khalifa, the foreign minister of Bahrain, i ssued a rare Arab tribute. “Rest in peace President Shimon Peres, a man of war and a man of the still elusive peace in the Middle East,” he tweeted.
TRUDEAU LEADING CANADIAN DELEGATION
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau is leading a Canadian delegation to the funeral that includes former prime minister Jean Chrétien, interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose and Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion.
Also in tow on the air force plane was Rafael Barak, Israel’s ambassador to Canada, and representatives of Canadian advocacy groups like the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, B’nai Brith Canada and the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee.
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair was also invited, but declined due to a family commitment.
Trudeau also invited former prime minister Stephen Harper to join the flight. Harper will attend the funeral, but opted to fly commercial.