Shimon Peres Exclusive: “I will continue to serve after Presidency”
Justin Cohen is the News Editor at the Jewish News
After seven decades serving his country and having held every major government portfolio, Shimon Peres could be forgiven were he preparing to take a well-deserved break after his presidency, writes Justin Cohen.
But, as leading figures from politics and showbusiness lined up to celebrate his 90th birthday this week, the world’s oldest head of state signalled his readiness to continue working for his country well after his latest role ends next summer.
“There is no greater privilege than serving your people,” he told the Jewish News in an exclusive interview. “I will continue to serve my people in whatever way I can.”
Despite having won the admiration of world leaders and even the Nobel Peace Prize with Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat in 1994, Peres – whose Facing Tomorrow conference opened on Tuesday –underlined his focus on the future. “I don’t spend time looking back and remembering,” was the blunt response when asked about his greatest achievement.
“I hope my greatest achievement will come tomorrow and I hope to see Israel living in peace with all our neighbours,” he said.
While some prominent members of Israel’s government have questioned whether Mahmoud Abbas is a partner for peace and the Palestinians have refused to negotiate without a settlement freeze, Peres said: “I believe peace is possible and in the interests of both us and the Palestinians. Both Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas have publically expressed their support for a two-state solution. The differences between us are not that great and they can be overcome.”
Turning to domestic matters, the president had harsh words for those in Britain at the forefront of hostility towards Israel. “I think some people lack an awareness and knowledge regarding the details of the situation here,” he said. “In places where passion runs high, that passion should be focused on finding solutions, not exacerbating conflict, on bringing people together, not dividing them, and on looking to the future rather than the past.”
His words come amid hostile motions from unions, a strident academic boycott campaign that contributed to Stephen Hawking withdrawing from this week’s Presidential conference and concern over the climate on some British campuses, where talks by senior Israeli officials have been severely disrupted.
Peres added: “Our relations with the UK government are excellent, as are relations between the Jewish community and the government. Within those frameworks we should discuss ways to ensure that dialogue and discussion can be held freely in the UK without fear and with a focus on finding the solution that both Israelis and Palestinians desire – the two state solution.”
During the interview, Peres – who Bill Clinton this week hailed as a “legend” – also called for Jews around the world to focus on “what unites us”. While he did not say if he felt personally troubled when diaspora Jewry criticises Israeli policy, he said: “The greatest contribution of the Jewish people to the world is dissatisfaction. We are never happy with the way the world is but care about how it should be. We should all be focused on what unites us rather than what divides us. I would like to see the Jewish people united around three principles of Judaism; the yearning for peace, the pursuit of knowledge and our ancient moral call.”
He urged Jews worldwide to focus on “striving to make the world better through science and technology, but also through human kindness”.
The interview came as Israel and the world speculated on the impact the election of Iran’s president Hassan Rowhani might have on the country’s approach, including its nuclear programme. Peres said: “I know what the new leader has declared and I won’t go beyond his declarations. He says he won’t adopt extreme policies. In my opinion, the supreme leader today is the people and not the leader.”
Peres said Iranians deserve leadership that heeds their call for freedom and for their country to be a “productive player in the global community, not an antagonist”.
But he warned: “Ahmadinejad spent billions on building an idol of uranium, and what for? It brought the economy to its knees. There is a lack of food, young people are leaving, and Iran has become the centre of terror, they hang people in the streets and arrest innocent people. What for?”
The Iranian issue, along with the push for peace talks, is sure to continue to dominate the agenda as Israel’s elder statesman enters his 91st year and final 12 months as president – as tragically, it has for all too many years of his public service.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
