The promise was finally fulfilled by H.E. Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem in a city that served as the location for the most significant chapters in Israel's history. Binyanei Hauma will thus bear the name of Shiman Peres. Many promises are made and then forgotten while others take years to fulfill while few become reality.  Years ago, when President Herzog, the incumbent Chairman of the Jewish Agency approached Jerusalem's Lord Mayor, Moshe Lion with a proposal that the capital city's most iconic landmark be named in honour of Shimon Peres. Last week he returned to this landmark as President of the Jewish state, fulfilling his promise. In this very building, history repeatedly unfolded. It is not merely a convention centre but a building that hosts  a piece of Israel's collective memory.  For decades it has served the stage for national events, international congresses, gatherings, exhibitions and cultural occasions. Episodes linked to Israel's political and social history, from Zionist congresses to events surrounding Adolph Eichmann's trial as well as international figures of fame and world leaders who have graced its stage. 

 

 

Last week, during the "Name Changing Ceremony", President Herzog  recounted the initiative of changing the building's name that it was not an easy time as complex negotiations were taking place regarding the transfer of the Binyanei Hauma from the Jewish Agency to Keren HaKayamet Leisrael (KKL) where the Municipality of Jerusalem played an integral role. In his speech, the President acknowledged KKL's involvement as well as every individual and institution that actualized the change. 

 

En route to the ceremony, the President had a conversation with Mr. Alon Navi, a long serving driver of the Office of the President of Israel who has worked alongside President Peres for over 17 years. Mr. Navi recounted that whenever the President completed a meeting, tour or visit returning to the car asking "What More Can I Do For The State Of Israel?". What was impressive was that he repeatedly asked the same question at the age of 90. After 70 years of serving in public life, positions including Director General of Defence, Ministerial positions, member of Knesset, Leader of the Labour party, Foreign Minister, Prime Minister and finally State president, "it was never enough as there was always something more to do". 

 

 

Following President Herzog's speech, Lord Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe Lion reminisced about conversations with President Peres saying that Peres once told him that no city has created an abundance of history as Jerusalem. Peres was not content to contemplate Jerusalem's history but envisioned "Jerusalem of the Future"  wanting to actualize this dream. "Jerusalem of the Future" would encompass an advanced and innovative city open to the world. A city not only being a destination for pilgrims of the three monastic faiths but a city which would attract investors and entrepreneurs. For the Lord Mayor, the name change of Jerusalem's iconic Binyanei Hauma, represents the realization of Peres's vision and can also be a home for constructive and tolerant dialogue and a space where innovation and progress can coexist with conversation. 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Eyal Ostrevski, Chairman of Keren Kayemet Leisrael emphasised a need to restore values such as statesmanship, love for society, pragmatism and moderation without compromising on principles, the aforementioned relating to public life in Israel. For him, Peres epitomized these values. Peres belonged to a generation that witnessed the birth of Israel and his enduring commitment to advancing, progressing and building the State of Israel, he was always looking ahead and envisioning. Thus he could be considered, "The Father of the Nation In His Generation".  Every public position he held, he saw as an opportunity to take corrective action and make change. For me, being Keren Kayemet Leisrael's Chairman, this attribute is deeply ingrained in Zionism's fundamental pillar. 

 

Peres established Israel's Presidency as an opportunity for change and of action as opposed to merely being a ceremonial role.  

 

 

The last speaker was Peres's daughter Tsvia Walden,  who provided the audience with a different perspective of the Peres people knew as a statesman. For her, the ceremony held special significance namely that she was the daughter of the person of whom the building will be named. In addition, she was a resident of Jerusalem and also worked tirelessly in her childhood in the Zionist archives. She recalled that in 1949, the Binyanei Haouma's architect, Zeev Rechter, won the competition to design the building, finally in 1963 the building was completed. Massimiliano Fuksas was a prominent architect, who designed Jaffa's Peres Centre of Peace and Innovation. She recalled that during the construction of Jerusalem's recent Yitzhak Navon train station, located opposite the Binyanei Hauma, an underground freshwater stream was discovered beneath the site, being a metaphor for her Father who had the ability to find his way into people's hearts. She described him as a source of hope, love, gratitude and faith in the possibility of creating a better future. 

 

 

Now, the building will bear the name of a man who's defining characteristic was that he never ceased looking to the future. He was a man who was welcome internationally for his boundless optimism. Now that vision is linked to a location that welcomes visitors from all over the world including researchers, creators and entrepreneurs thus being a tribute bringing generations together. 

 

 

The ceremony not only was reminiscent of past remembrance but more importantly about a vision for the future, this event being meaningful and significant for Israel, preserving the memory of one of its greatest statesmen. 

 

President Herzog's proposal became a reality linking one of Jerusalem's most iconic buildings to the memory of one of Israel's greatest statesmen.   

 

 Video's credit Isaac Ajzen