Bengaluru: The Consulate General of Israel, the Indian Economic Trade Organisation and the Consular Corps Karnataka paid their tributes to late Shimon Peres, a Nobel laureate and former Israeli President and Prime Minister, who was laid to rest on September 28.
The guests hailed Mr Peres as Israel’s warrior of peace and remembered his contributions to the world. Ms Yael Hashavit, Consul General of the Israeli Consulate in Bengaluru, said that Mr Peres shaped the course of Israeli history into what we know today and that he was a man ahead of his times.
“He was an optimist, a statesman, a diplomat and a man who believed in humankind. He was there when our enemies attacked us and pushed us into brutal wars. He was there when the peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan were signed and amidst all this, he was relentlessly trying to find a path for peace with the Palestinians.”
He will always be one of the most enlightening examples of a leader in Israel’s history, she said fondly. Mr Asif Iqbal, president, Indian Economic Trade Organisation, Ms Margit Hellwig Botte, Consul General of Germany, Mr Hendrik Van Dord, Diplomatic Corps Protocol Officer, Mr Parthasarathi, former Ambassador and Secretary General of FKCCI, and others were present.
“I am grateful to him for what he did for our country,” said Ms Botte in her eulogy at the ceremony held at Taj West End on Monday evening in the city. “He reached out a helping hand always towards Germany and he was always there as a friend no matter what the situation was. It is such a great loss not just to his country but us too. If it hadn’t been for him we wouldn’t be who we are today.”
Mr Parthasarathi detailed contributions made by Mr Perest to friendly relations that India and Israel share. “He held every position possible in the Isreali government and it was he who sowed the seeds of peace and friendship with India since 1985.”
Mr Asif Iqbal, president, IETO, said, “Mr Peres was the guiding force for promoting peace around the world. He often spoke about how India was fortunate to have two great and unforgettable leaders in Gandhi and Nehru.”
The memorial service also featured a musical performance by husband-wife duo Tanisha Herbert on vocals and Arun Rozario, who dedicated an ancient Hebrew prayer, Avinu Malkeinu, to the late politician.
