Sen. Cruz Issues Statement on Passing of Former Israeli Prime Minister and President Shimon Peres

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today released the following statement regarding the passing of former Israeli Prime Minister and President Shimon Peres:

“Today, we remember the enduring legacy of one of Israel’s founding fathers, Shimon Peres. 

“After making Aliyah with his family in 1934, President Peres spent almost seven decades serving his country, twice as Prime Minister and as Israel’s ninth President. 

“It was a privilege to meet President Peres when the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. held a reception in honor of his retirement in 2014. I remember well Ambassador Ron Dermer’s moving remarks on President Peres’ exceptional service to the Jewish state as the only Israeli President to have served as Prime Minister as well as the only Prime Minister who also held all three of Israel’s senior cabinet positions – Finance Minister, Foreign Minister, and Defense Minister. Ambassador Dermer also paid tribute to his enduring friendship with the United States, noting President Peres was one of only seven foreign nationals to receive both the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was indeed a great patriot, and will be missed in both Israel and America.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family and our close ally Israel. May his memory be a blessing.”

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