WATCH: Shimon Peres delivers 'Christmas blessing', wishes for peace

Israel's president joins Netanyahu in issuing seasons greetings, says people must 'do what we need to do... to live in peace.'

Ynet|Published: 12.25.13 , 13:05

Not to be outdone by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Shimon Peres has issued his own Christmas greeting this year, in a special "Christmas blessing" posted to his YouTube channel on Christmas Eve.

"It is my pleasure to bring you the greetings of the whole people of Israel, a holiday for one religion is a holiday for the whole county," says Peres in the video.

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"As a state we are responsible for your safety, freedom and holy sites and for your feeling as free and equal citizens that carry with them the hope that unites us for peace and a better world. The Lord is doing what he can but we must do what we need to do, to follow his wish and our destiny, to live in peace. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year".

Netanyahu's video also came out Tuesday. Standing against a backdrop of a snowy Jerusalem, the prime minister addressed the "common heritage" of Jews and Christians, wishing all "security, prosperity and peace."