MFA Press Statement: Passing of former President of the State of Israel Mr Shimon Peres, 28 Sep 2016

            Singapore is saddened by the passing of Mr Shimon Peres, the ninth President of the State of Israel, on 28 September 2016.  The Government and people of Singapore would like to extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved family, as well as to the Government and people of Israel during this period of grief.

            President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have sent condolence letters to President of Israel Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu respectively. 

            The text of the letters is appended.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

28 SEPTEMBER 2016

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Letter from President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam to Israeli President Mr Reuven Rivlin

28 September 2016

His Excellency Reuven Rivlin

President

State of Israel

Your Excellency,

            I was saddened by the news of the passing of Mr Shimon Peres, former President of the State of Israel.  On behalf of the people of the Republic of Singapore, I would like to convey my deepest condolences to you and the people of Israel during this time of mourning.

            Mr Peres was a respected global statesman and a long-serving leader of the State of Israel.  He had held almost every major public office, including serving as President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Defence Minister.  Even after retiring from a distinguished career in public service spanning over six decades, Mr Peres continued to travel widely to advocate for peace.

            Mr Peres’ passing is a great loss to the people of Israel and the international community, but his tireless pursuit of a better world will continue to inspire us.  He will be dearly missed.

Yours sincerely,

TONY TAN KENG YAM

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Letter from Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong to Israeli Prime Minister Mr Benjamin Netanyahu

28 September 2016

Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu,

            I am saddened by the passing of former President of the State of Israel, Mr Shimon Peres. 

            Mr Peres was a visionary who worked tirelessly in the service of Israel and its people, long after retiring from politics.  I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions, and benefitting from his experience and friendship.  Most recently, this April I called on him at the Peres Centre of Peace during my visit to Israel.  He received me graciously.  At his advanced age, he was still deeply concerned about how to bring peace to Israel and its neighbours.  His mind was sharply focussed on science and education, firmly believing that this was the way to foster greater understanding between peoples. 

            Mr Peres was a titan of his generation who has left a lasting legacy.  He has inspired younger generations to continue to work for peace and reconciliation not just in Israel and the Middle East but across the world.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

His Excellency Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister

State of Israel