Shimon Peres
Full Name and Common Aliases
Shimon Peres was born as Szymon Perski. Throughout his life, he was commonly known as Shimon Peres, a name that became synonymous with peace efforts and political leadership in Israel.
Birth and Death Dates
Shimon Peres was born on August 2, 1923, in Wiszniew, Poland (now Vishnyeva, Belarus). He passed away on September 28, 2016, in Tel Aviv, Israel, leaving behind a legacy of diplomacy and innovation.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Shimon Peres was an Israeli statesman, serving in various capacities including as the President and Prime Minister of Israel. His career spanned over seven decades, during which he was also a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, a writer, and a visionary leader in technology and peace initiatives.
Early Life and Background
Shimon Peres was born into a Jewish family in Poland. In 1934, at the age of 11, he emigrated with his family to what was then British Mandate Palestine. His early years were marked by a strong educational foundation, attending the Geula Gymnasium in Tel Aviv and later the Ben Shemen Agricultural School. Peres was deeply influenced by his grandfather, a rabbi, who instilled in him a profound sense of Jewish identity and values. This early exposure to both education and cultural heritage laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in public service and leadership.
Major Accomplishments
Shimon Peres's political career began in the 1940s when he joined the Haganah, the precursor to the Israel Defense Forces. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the head of Israel's naval services. His political acumen was recognized early on, leading to his appointment as the Director-General of the Ministry of Defense at just 29 years old. Peres played a pivotal role in establishing Israel's defense capabilities, including the development of its nuclear program.
In the 1990s, Peres was instrumental in the Oslo Accords, a series of agreements aimed at achieving peace between Israel and the Palestinians. For his efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994, alongside Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat. His tenure as Prime Minister and later as President of Israel was marked by a commitment to peace, innovation, and economic development.
Notable Works or Actions
Beyond his political achievements, Shimon Peres was a prolific writer and thinker. He authored several books, including "The New Middle East" and "No Room for Small Dreams," which reflect his vision for a peaceful and prosperous future. Peres was also a champion of technological innovation, founding the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, which fosters collaboration and development in the Middle East.
Impact and Legacy
Shimon Peres's impact on Israel and the world is profound. He was a visionary leader who believed in the power of diplomacy and dialogue. His efforts in the Oslo Accords and his relentless pursuit of peace have left an indelible mark on the Middle East. Peres's advocacy for technology and innovation has also positioned Israel as a global leader in these fields. His legacy is one of hope, progress, and the belief that peace is achievable through perseverance and understanding.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Shimon Peres is widely quoted and remembered for his unwavering commitment to peace and his visionary outlook on the future. His quotes often reflect his deep belief in the potential for change and the importance of dreaming big. Peres's words resonate with many because they encapsulate the essence of hope and the power of human ingenuity. His life and work continue to inspire leaders and individuals around the world to pursue peace and innovation with courage and determination.
Quotes by Shimon Peres
Shimon Peres's insights on:
When it comes to the Sunnis and Shiites, it is not for the United States or for us or for anyone else to settle who was the heir of Muhammad. This is a Muslim and Arab problem, and they have to deal with it.
I have the highest respect for Obama. I have worked with 10 American presidents, both Republicans and Democrats. As far as Israeli security is concerned, he has done the most that an American president can do.
There is a real need to construct a different Middle East. The Middle East must change because the world has changed. And instead of oppositional armies that are fighting usually one against another, now we have a net of terrorists that are trying to destroy everything. They are not two; they are hundreds.
The signing of the Israel-PLO accord is more than a political milestone. It is a transformative event which touches every Jewish family - physically, emotionally, spiritually.
David Ben-Gurion was a mythic figure, the founding father of Israel and a modern-day prophet, but he was also a real man who stormed through history on human legs. It was my great privilege to know him and work with him for many years.
A politician and a government should be judged by one way only: on the record of what you do or did, not on what you say.
He was the editor of our paper. He created the publishing house in Hebrew. He was - I wouldn't say the 'guru' - but really he was our teacher and a most respected man. I wrote for the paper of the youth movement.
We have to stand together against terror and the reasons for terrorism, which are poverty and ignorance.