Shimon Peres

Date of Birth: August 2, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: September 28, 2016

Biography

Shimon Peres was an Israeli statesman who served twice as Prime Minister of Israel and as the ninth President of Israel. Born as Szymon Perski in Wiszniew, Poland (now Vishnyeva, Belarus), Peres emigrated to Mandatory Palestine in 1934. He was a key figure in the founding of the State of Israel in 1948 and played a critical role in Israeli politics for over six decades. Peres was a member of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) for nearly 50 years and held numerous ministerial positions, including Minister of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Finance. Peres was instrumental in the development of Israel’s defense capabilities and its nuclear program. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 along with Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat for his efforts in the Oslo Accords, which aimed at achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Known for his vision of a “New Middle East” characterized by economic cooperation and peace, Peres continued to advocate for peace and innovation until his passing.

5 Interesting Facts about Shimon Peres

1. Shimon Peres was the longest-serving member of the Knesset in Israeli history, serving from 1959 to 2007.

2. He was one of the architects of Israel’s nuclear program, which is believed to have provided the country with its nuclear deterrence capability.

3. Peres was the first person to have served both as Prime Minister and President of Israel.

4. He co-founded the Peres Center for Peace in 1996, aiming to foster peace and innovation in the Middle East.

5. In 2012, Peres was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President Barack Obama.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Shimon Peres

1. “The duty of leaders is to be as courageous as the people they lead.”

2. “You are as young as your dreams, not as old as your calendar.”

3. “Peace is the best security, and we have no other choice.”

4. “You can kill a man, but you cannot kill an idea.”

5. “To be free is not only to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Shimon Peres’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, primarily accrued through his political career and various public speaking engagements.

Children

Shimon Peres had three children: 1. Tsvia (Zvia) Walden – a linguist and professor. 2. Yoni (Yonatan) Peres – a veterinarian. 3. Nehemia (Chemi) Peres – a venture capitalist and businessman.