Queen leads tributes to Israel’s former PM Peres
THE Queen led British tributes yesterday to legendary Israeli statesman Shimon Peres after he died at 93.
Her Majesty said she was “greatly saddened” the world had lost the tireless campaigner for Middle East peace, who suffered a stroke two weeks ago.
Former PM Mr Peres won a Nobel Prize for his efforts to end bloodshed and in 2008 the Queen made him an honorary knight.
She will be represented by Prince Charles at his funeral in Jerusalem on Friday, which is expected to be attended by a huge list of world dignitaries.
Mr Peres, who spent 66 years at the forefront of his country’s politics, was best known for masterminding the 1995 Oslo accords aimed at striking a lasting agreement between Israelis and Palestinians.
PM Theresa May said he was a “great man who epitomised optimism” as well as a “beloved father and compatriot” who never lost hope peace would come. The Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said: “He was the noblest of soldiers, a born leader, a uniquely talented diplomat and a relentless campaigner.”
Former PMs Sir John Major, Tony Blair and David Cameron also paid tribute.
Sir John, who was in No10 at the time of the Oslo breakthrough, called him “a true patriot and illustrious leader”.
US President Barack Obama hailed him as “the essence of Israel itself” and added: “A light has gone out but the hope he gave us will burn for ever.”
Polish-born Mr Peres left Europe for Palestine in the 1930s ahead of Nazi occupation and lost many relatives in the Holocaust.
He became active in politics and rose to be head of Israel’s navy. He was PM three times and president for seven years.
His wife Sonya, with whom he had three children, died five years ago aged 87.