Rivlin: Peres taught us security and peace are two sides of the same coin
'Peres's patriotism required no enemy or occupation, just hope,' says former British PM Blair at memorial service commemorating one year since passing of former president and prime minister Shimon Peres.
Former president and prime minister Shimon Peres taught Israel that "security and peace are two sides of the very same coin," his successor, President Reuven Rivlin, said Thursday at a state memorial service marking one year to Peres's passing.
"We promised to always remember the heavy burden placed on us to safeguard Israel's security," Rivlin said in his eulogy. "To remember what you taught us; that the world, including that around us, can be friendly and not merely predatory."
Rivlin was the keynote speaker at the service held at the Great Leaders of the Nation plot on Mount Herzl. "In places where legs grew weary with searching and the heart has almost sealed, you were the eternal boy whose legs were light and heart open, always searching for—and finding—new paths, angles and breakthroughs," he eulogized his late predecessor.
Rivlin also commented on what is perhaps Peres's largest contribution to the very same Israeli security: the Dimona nuclear reactor. "Every Israeli is indebted to you on your many contributions to Israeli security, with the Dimona Research Center bearing your name chief among them," he exclaimed.
The memorial was also attended by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Ministers Gilad Erdan and Ze'ev Elkin (Likud), Opposition Chairman Yitzhak Herzog (Zionist Union), Labor Party Chairman Avi Gabay, IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh, MK Nava Boker (Likud) and incoming-Supreme Court Deputy Chief Justice Hanan Melcer.
Also participating in the memorial were children from Kfar Saba, Nazareth Illit and Rosh HaAyin schools named in commemoration of Peres just this year, as well as high ranking guests, family and friends.
'Father fought for a path and a dream'
The late president's son, Chemi Peres, also spoke at his father's memorial. "A year has passed and we miss you more than ever. My father fought for both a path and a dream. It takes courage to dream, but to make it come true takes even more courage. The war for peace is the most important war, that's what he believed.
"I ask in my father's name, in the name of the last book he wrote: never stop daring, dreaming, because that's the best thing that can happen to Israel. In the end, when the dream comes true, we'll be united and thankful for it."
Former British Prime Minister Blair said he missed Peres. "He was the mad scientist who could speak English better than the English, and tackle complex financial and political challenges. He was a man of action. Shimon was determined to defend Israel. For him it was another stepping stone towards his ultimate goal: peace between Israel and its neighbors. His patriotism required no enemy or occupation, but hope," he said.
"I was asked to describe Peres in three words," Blair said. "Compassionate, brave and creative, but compassionate above all else. He'll always be in my thoughts and inspire my heart."
Blair concluded his remarks in Hebrew, saying "May his memory be a blessing. Thank you, Shimon."
Events commemorating the first anniversary of Peres's passing began at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation in Jaffa on Wednesday. Leaders and heads of companies all came into the center, pledging to carry on his legacy and the flagship project he left behind before his passing.
President Rivlin commenced the memorial events in a speech given at a leadership and innovation conference in Peres's memory.
