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- Written by Former President Shimon Peres Spokesperson
"You, children from southern Israel and the West Bank, symbolize the hope for peace after a very difficult summer"
Over 500 children from Israel and the West Bank will take part in the Soccer Peace Schools this year at over 24 schools
One week after the ceasefire came into effect, Israel's 9th president Shimon Peres, opened the annual Peres Center for Peace 'Soccer Peace Schools' program in southern Israel with 80 children from the Sderot, Sha'ar Hanegev and the Palestinian town of Yatta in the West Bank. The children play in joint soccer teams and take part in a special education program for peace. Shimon Peres was accompanied by the Head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, Alon Schuster, and the two presented soccer balls to the team captains to mark the opening of the program.
Former President Shimon Peres blew the opening whistle of the game and said, "Soccer isn't played one against the other but one alongside the other. You, children from southern Israel who play soccer with Palestinian children symbolize the hope for peace and the hope for all of us to overcome any challenges. You have all had a very difficult summer and today you are opening a new year which I hope will be a year of sport and dialogue. On this pitch there is a soccer school which is also a school for peace for all peoples."
Alon Schuster turned to the children and added, "You were children who were raised into this situation, and we can remind you that it's also possible to live differently, I am proud of you and wish you luck with your training."
Issa, the coach of the Palestinian children expressed his pride and excitement to be the coach of a joint team, "I'm excited to see you after months in which we were unable to meet. I hope that on this pitch we can begin something new, that we can go back to enjoying playing soccer together."
Through the Peres Center for Peace Twinned Peace Soccer Schools project children, aged 6-16, participate in a comprehensive 'peace education through sport' program that combines athletic training with unique peace education activities, allowing participants to get to know the "other," learn one another's languages, break down barriers, and develop friendships based on trust and mutual understanding.
The first practice took place today following a very difficult summer, during which the groups could not engage in such activities. Despite the political tensions, the Israeli and Palestinian children came together to play side-by-side. In addition to the soccer practice which took place today in Kibbutz Dorot, over 500 Israeli and Palestinian children from throughout Israel and the West Bank will come together for soccer and peace education activities in the framework of the Twinned Peace Soccer Schools program this year.
Photos – Efrat Sa'ar
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- Written by Office of the President
Pope Francis spoke to President Peres this morning and asked to deliver a message of coexistence, moderation and peace to all the citizens of the region in light of the current security situation
Pope Francis to President Peres:
"Actions on behalf of fanatics don't leave us anywhere; it's true that many innocents suffer and pay with their lives, but we have to move forward and insist on this path of prayer for peace"
"I ask God for a quick solution and a political solution"
President Peres to Pope Francis:
"A small group of fanatics are the cause of suffering in Gaza, Israel is doing everything to lower the flames and minimize civilian casualties"
"We shall continue to search for a road to peace in spite of the fire"
His Holiness Pope Francis spoke to President Peres earlier today and conveyed a messaged of coexistence, moderation and peace to the citizens of the region in light of the security situation. President Peres thanked Pope Francis who his involvement and concern and said, "Right now there is fire, we are trying to do as much as we can to lower the flames because we do not consider the people of Gaza as enemies. I know that the people of Gaza themselves didn't decide on this situation that they find themselves in. There is a small group of fanatics who are the cause of suffering in Gaza. Our operation is aimed to bring an end to two killing methods – the rockets from the sky and the tunnels from under the earth. We have discovered two tunnels which were supposed to enable them enter into the heart of civilian life and kill indiscriminately. Fortunately we discovered it on time and prevented the murder. Right now the main thing we are doing is to put an end to these tunnels and we are trying to see how to limit the confrontation, particularly with regard to the rockets which they fire at our civilians. I hope it will not be a long lasting operation and I can assure you that our people are careful and will continue to be very careful not to cause damage and death to innocent peoples. We shall continue to search for a road to peace in spite of the fire and in spite of the failure to have a ceasefire because finally the solution must be political and not just military."
His Holiness Pope Francis said to President Peres, "This is a painful moment; I am convinced that God brings us together in prayer for peace, and please allow me to say it's a prophetic gesture which in some ways will mark the future path. It's true that actions on behalf of fanatics don't leave us anywhere; it's true that many innocents suffer and pay with their lives. But we have to move forward and insist on this path of prayer for peace. I believe in prayer, in the power of prayer and I believe in the hearts of men who are working for peace. I ask God for a quick solution and a political solution. I'm close to you with my prayers and thoughts.
President Peres thanked Pope Francis for his efforts for peace and said, "I thank you for your efforts for peace. The three meetings that I have had the pleasure to participate in have left a lasting impression. I know that there is still a long way and I know there are difficult situations but like on many occasions, crises may give birth to peace and a better time. Your visit in Israel and our prayer in the Vatican had an unexpected impact on many people and I believe it planted a small tree of hope in the hearts of many, which we have to continue and develop.
Pope Francis thanked President Peres and said, "I thank you for everything that you do Mr. President and I ask Gold to bless you very much. That he accompany you on the path of peace and please feel my presence close to you as a brother and as a friend."
Photo Credit: Koby Gidon/GPO
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- Written by Romanian Embassy
Throughout the entire month of May 2014, Romania commemorated 70 years since the expulsion of the last Jews of Northern Transylvania to Auschwitz. During this time, multiple events honoring the victims deported to Auschwitz were organized either by the Romanian-Jewish Communities or under the auspices of the Romanian Government.
To the same end, the Elie Wiesel National Institute for Studying the Holocaust in Romania in collaboration with the Romanian Ministry of Transport, held throughout entire May 2014, a series of events consisting of 11 commemorative plaque unveilings in memory of the 132,000 victims of the Holocaust. The plaques were placed in train-stations from where trains transported Jews to the extermination camp, such as: Baia Mare, Targu Mures, Reghin Sighet, Viseu de Sus, Dej, Cluj-Napoca, Satu Mare, Şimleu Silvaniei, Oradea, Bistrita.
These deportations took place in Northern Transylvania in 1944, at that time belonging to Horthy's Hungary and occupied by Nazi Germany. Out of the 132,000 Jews deported, almost all were exterminated.
Events for the unveiling of commemorative plaques were held as follows:
• Sunday, May 11, 2014 - train station in Baia Mare;
• Monday, May 12, 2014 – train stations in Tirgu Mures and Reghin;
• Sunday, May 18, 2014 - train stations in Sighet and Viseu de Sus;
• Monday, May 26, 2014 - train station in Dej;
• Tuesday, May 27, 2014 - train station in Cluj-Napoca;
• Wednesday, May 28, 2014 - train station in Satu Mare;
• Thursday, May 29, 2014 - Silvaniei Şimleu train station;
• Friday, May 30, 2014 - Oradea train station;
• Tuesday, June 3, 2014 - train station in Bistrita.
Present at the unveiling of the commemorative plaque in Cluj Napoca, on 27th May 2014, the Romanian Minister for infrastructure projects, Dan Șova, said:
"Today we commemorate a tragic consequence of hatred and anti-Semitism, for which we are required to have compassion and the duty of keeping alive the memory of Holocaust victims. Moreover, we have an obligation to build a society in which ethnic, cultural and religious values will be not only tolerated, but respected and appreciated [...]
Through effective educational programs and initiatives, focused on civic values and democratic principles, we can understand the causes led to this tragedy. In the same time, I am convinced that we must pass-on to future generations the lessons of the Holocaust, so that, whenever anti-Semitism and racism will be taken to the streets, will receive a proper rebuff and such atrocities will not happen again. "
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- Written by Office of the President
President Peres:
"The terrorists will be brought to justice"
"The families are a symbol of the strength of the Israeli spirit, they are a source of inspiration – we will pray with them for the safe return of their sons, our boys"
The President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres, delivered remarks this afternoon at a ceremony to mark outstanding military reserve units, along with the Minister of Defense and Chief of Staff. President Peres began by addressing the kidnapping of Naftali Frankel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach and said, "Our soldiers are operating without respite in Hebron and in the villages to find the three boys. The terrorists will be brought to justice.
They are the envoys of death and destruction, they offer no hope. The kidnapping of the three boys shows once again the daily threats Israel faces but the strength of our society will overcome the terrorists. Today the whole nation is united. The families are a symbol of the strength of the Israeli spirit, they are a source of inspiration – we will pray with them for the safe return of their sons, our boys.
The fight against terror is a global one, it is the fight of all those who love life and wish to be free."
Photo Credit: Mark Neiman/GPO
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- Written by Office of the President
President Peres bestowed the Presidential Medal of Distinction Upon President Napolitano
President Peres: "The State of Israel thanks you – you stood resolutely by us over the years."
"The time has come for peace and we must find an agreed upon solution accepted by both parties"
President Napolitano: My unflagging relation with the State of Israel and the Jewish people, my determination to fight anti-Semitism and attacks on Israel are an integral part of my anti-fascist commitment.
The President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres, bestowed the Presidential Medal of Distinction upon the President of Italy, His Excellency Giorgio Napolitano, at a ceremony in Rome. The award is the highest civilian honor in Israel. The ceremony took place the day after President Peres attended the joint event in the Vatican hosted by Pope Francis along with Palestinian President Abbas.
President Peres thanked President Napolitano for his steadfast support for Israel and said, "I am proud to confer upon you the Presidential Medal of Distinction in honor of your steadfast commitment to the State of Israel and the Jewish people. You raised a clear voice in support of Israeli democracy." President Peres addressed yesterday's event at the Vatican and said, "The time has come for peace and we must find an agreed upon solution accepted by both parties. We still face threats, namely terror from Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. We must overcome terror and improve the situation for all the people of the region. Israel stretches out its hand for peace with the Palestinians, our neighbors. I have experienced both war and peace and everyone deserves the right to live in peace."
President Napolitano "My unflagging relation with the State of Israel and the Jewish people, my determination to fight anti-Semitism and attacks on Israel are an integral part of my anti-fascist commitment. I am honored to receive this distinguished award." Turning to President Peres he said, "Peace is a part of your legacy and today we must say with conviction, the time has come for peace."
The recommendation for the award is as follows: "Over the years, President Napolitano demonstrated his uncompromising commitment to the well-being and security of the State of Israel, and inspired by him, the Italian Communist Party adopted new and independent positions in relation to the Middle East. At the time, President Napolitano clearly and consistently voiced his views on the question of Prisoners of Zion in the former Soviet who requested to emigrate to Israel was denied. President Napolitano has condemned every manifestation of terrorism, he has hosted meetings between Israelis and Palestinians in an effort to seek a solution to the Middle East conflict on the basis of mutual recognition. The President represents a figure of leadership in the European arena in the fight against Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism. President Napolitano's relations with the State of Israel and the Jewish people have been steadfast and characterized by a deep sense of friendship. He has repeatedly expressed his steadfast position regarding Israel's unequivocal right to live in peace and security."
Later in the visit, President Peres will meet with the Foreign Minister of Italy, Federica Mogherini, and the President of the Italian Senate, Mr. Pietro Grasso.
Background Information on the Presidential Medal of Distinction:
The Presidential Medal of Distinction is awarded to private individuals and organizations that have made unique and outstanding contributions to Tikkun Olam (Bettering the World), Israeli society and the State of Israel's image around the world, and which constitute examples of initiative, innovation, creativity and vision. The medals themselves feature the North Star to symbolize the right path and a menorah, the symbol of Israel and the continuous link between past and present. The medal is crowned with the words from Samuel 9:2 "from his shoulders and upward." The Presidential Medal of Distinction is comparable to the "Legion of Honor" (France) or the "Order of Canada."
The advisory committee for the Presidential Medal of Distinction includes retired Supreme Court President Meir Shamgar, former President Yitzhak Navon, Professor Suzie Navot, Dr. Mohammed Issawi, Rabbi Dr. Ratzon Arusi, Gil Shwed and Professor Anita Shapira. Previous winners of the award include President Obama, President Clinton, Elie Wiesel, former Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger, the Music Director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Mr. Zubin Mehta, Attorney Uri Slonim, Judy Feld Carr, The Rashi Foundation and Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz.
Photo Credit: Haim Tzach/GPO
