Shimon Peres, born Szymon Perski on August 2, 1923, in Wiszniew, Poland, was the ninth President of the State of Israel. His parents, Yitzhak and Sara Perski, were devoted members of the Jewish community. His family moved to Tel Aviv in 1934 where he attended the Balfour elementary school.
Peres' interest in politics began at a young age, influenced by the turbulent political climate in Europe during the 1930s. He was a member of the Hanoar Haoved youth movement and later joined the Haganah, the precursor to the Israel Defense Forces. It was during this time that Peres established close relationships with foreign leaders and secured arms for the Jewish community, a skill that would serve him well throughout his political career.
In 1959, Shimon Peres entered Israeli politics, quickly rising through the ranks. He served in twelve cabinets over the course of his career, holding various ministerial positions. Peres was known for his unwavering commitment to the security and prosperity of Israel, advocating for peace and diplomacy in the region.
Peres served as Israeli Prime Minister from 1984 to 1986 and again from 1995 to 1996. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to advance the peace process, engaging in negotiations with Palestinian leaders and neighboring countries. His efforts culminated in the historic Oslo Accords, for which he, Yitzhak Rabin, and Yasser Arafat were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994.
Shimon Peres married Sonya Gelman, and together they had three children: Zyvia, Yoni, and Chemi. Despite the demands of his political career, Peres remained dedicated to his family, finding a balance between public service and personal life.
Shimon Peres was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to serving the State of Israel. His commitment to peace and diplomacy, as well as his tireless efforts to secure a better future for all citizens, will forever be remembered. Peres' influence extended beyond his time in office, inspiring a new generation of leaders to pursue dialogue and cooperation in the pursuit of peace.
In his later years, Shimon Peres continued to be actively involved in public life, advocating for peace and promoting dialogue among nations. He passed away on September 28, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and commitment to the ideals of peace and reconciliation.