Rio de Janeiro city square named after Shimon Peres
The mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Israel's honorary consul and heads of the local Jewish community inaugurate the new Shimon Peres Square; Consul: 'Peres' dream was to see Arabs and Jews live in coexistence. He didn't fully realize his dream, but now that is our mission.'
The ceremony was attended by Rio de Janeiro Mayor Marcelo Crivella and heads of the local Jewish community.
The newly-renamed square is located in an area where roughly 3,500 Jewish families live.
The move was initiated by Israel's honorary consul in Rio de Janeiro, Osias Wurman, and city councilman Marcelo Arar.
In his remarks, Crivella said that Peres was a world leader who never betrayed his principles or his love for peace. According to Crivella, "Residents of Rio were inspired by him. At the age of 93 he still carried the same flag."
Wurman said, "Peres' dream was to see Arabs and Jews live in coexistence. He didn't fully realize his dream, but now that is our mission."
