Sonya and Shimon Peres
Photo: Tzvika Tishler
Shimon Peres at wife's funeral
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Foreign leaders extend condolences to Peres
Egyptian President Mubarak, King Abdullah II of Jordan among those to console President Peres over passing of his wife, Sonya
Leaders of nations around the world have called President Shimon Peres over the weekend to extend their condolences for the passing of his wife, Sonya Peres.
Among the callers were King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, as well as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
According to the President's Office, the Jordanian king said that his thoughts and support are with Peres, and that the president is not alone in these tough times. Peres thanked him, and said that losing his wife and the mother of his children is a difficult and painful experience.
Clinton was the first to call Peres to say that she is sorry for his loss. She noted that Sonya Peres was an extraordinary woman. Clinton said that she is with Peres in this time of mourning.
Mubarak also phoned Peres to join him in his grief. Peres told Mubarak that his late wife loved Egypt and visited it on numerous occasions. She considered the peace with Egypt as incredibly significant, Peres said.
Thousands of Knesset members, politicians, friends and fans gathered in Ben Shemen on Friday to pay final respect for Sonya Peres, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 87. In an emotional farewell speech, the president said that his love for her "will remain in my heart until my eyes close as well."
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