Israel's President Shimon Peres on Thursday received the Congressional Gold Medal in the US Capitol rotunda as he bid farewell to Washington after decades of working with American leaders.
The 90-year-old Peres, who will leave office next month, paid tribute to the 'American dream' and hailed Washington’s steadfast support for Israel. “Many people call me a dreamer. I suppose that’s why I have always felt at home in the United States of America - America that was given the privilege to carry the dreams of humanity,” Peres said.
He explained how his mentor David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, had sent him to the United States to learn English. “‘Study the American dream,’ he told me. ‘That’s what you have to do.’ So I did,” Peres said.
Hailing the “unbelievable and unbreakable friendship” between the United States and Israel, Peres said: “Whether through military assistance and security cooperation, or through diplomatic and moral support, you sent us a clear message: that we are not alone.”
Republican House Speaker John Boehner lauded Peres, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, as the “great prototype of the Israeli statesman,” noting that it was the first time the Congressional Gold Medal had been given to an Israeli head of state. “This medal says to our young people and yours — never get cynical, never give in to expediency, and know that America will always stand by Israel, and with all men and women of peace,” Boehner said.
US Vice President Joe Biden said: “You are a legendary friend.”
Ronald Lauder highlights Peres' role in peace-making
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder also congratulated Peres. In a letter, he wrote: "I can’t think of a more deserving recipient. Throughout my entire life, I have watched you work tirelessly not only to promote the US-Israel relationship, which has endured thanks to your efforts, but you have also promoted peace and mutual understanding in the Middle East like no one else. At the same time, you have steadfastly defended the Jewish State, making it your life’s work.
"Under the most arduous circumstances, you pressed your efforts to secure peace between Israelis and Palestinians and between Israel and neighboring Arab states. While a comprehensive peace has not yet been secured, the progress of the past decades would not have been possible without your work.
"Mr. President, you stand today as a towering statesman on the world stage, elevating international diplomacy and contributing greatly to world security. I strongly believe that you have personally helped fulfill the Zionist dream of Israel becoming a “light unto the nations”. In a world that can unfairly target Israel, you have always been a courageous defender, a man with a vision, a realist, and a mensch."
The award bestowed by the US Congress is one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, and is awarded to those whose achievements have had an “impact on American history and culture.”
The first Congressional Gold Medal was given to the first US president, George Washington.
Peres — who met US President Barack Obama on Wednesday — will be succeeded in July by Reuven Rivlin.
