The World Jewish Restitution Organization mourns the passing of Shimon Peres, Israel’s former prime minister, president, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and a staunch defender of the Jewish State and the Jewish people throughout his life. Peres died Sept. 28 at the age of 93.

Gideon Taylor, WJRO Chief of Operations, issued the following statement:

Shimon Peres will be remembered for his relentless dedication to the security of Israel and the Jewish people, and his commitment to promoting peace.

Born in Poland, he and his family immigrated to then-Palestine. But those members of his family who stayed behind were killed in the Holocaust, including his grandfather who urged him to ‘be a Jew forever.’  Peres would ultimately become a respected Jewish figure around the world, meeting with Popes and princes to advocate on behalf of his people. May his memory be for a blessing.”

Photo: David Shankbone