Peres greets 1st-graders: Terror cannot win
President tells new students on first day of school Tuesday's attack must not hinder peace talks
Peres was referring to the attack that killed four Israelis Tuesday evening in the West Bank. "Our aim is not only to prevent terror organizations from winning, but also to prevent the existence of terror itself," he told the new students at Zalman Aran Elementary.
Peres with first-graders in Jerusalem (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
"I am sure all of us are of the opinion that we must achieve peace, put an end to terror, and refuse to negotiate with terrorists, opting rather to negotiate with those who negate terror and desire peace."
The president went on to condemn the attack before the new students. "The murder that occurred yesterday is first and foremost infuriating on a personal level. A young couple, the wife pregnant, seven orphans, and for what? I want to express my condolences and profound sorrow for the families and the people," he lamented.
"I want to say with total security that the terrorists will not succeed. They are a calamity for their people and a danger to ours. With gathered force we will overcome them."
Peres also added a personal note on education. "Be good students, love Israel, and be careful on the street. If you want the state to flourish, be good to it, study, and be strong," the president told the children, shaking their hands.
Education Minister Gideon Sa'ar accompanied Peres on his visit. "I am glad we can open the school year today in an orderly fashion for all ages," he said. "I am determined to improve the level of education in the state despite all of the difficulties and complexities. It is the future of Israel."
Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni also referred to Tuesday's attack in her speech at Shevah Mofet High School in Tel Aviv. "We must not allow the terror attack to prevent peace negotiations," she said, adding that peace was an Israeli interest and the desire of the majority.
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