Israeli leaders: Kennedy will be missed
ISRAELI leaders joined in the flood of condolences for US Senator Edward Kennedy, who died in Massachusetts on Wednesday at the age of 77.
JERUSALEM – Israeli leaders joined in the flood of condolences for US Senator Edward Kennedy, who died in Massachusetts on Wednesday at the age of 77.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu lamented Kennedy’s passing, saying that “he was a friend for 30 years, he was an American patriot and one of Israel’s greatest friends. His loss will be felt deeply.”
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman expressed great grief over Kennedy’s death on behalf of himself and the people of Israel. Ted Kennedy, he said, “was a great friend to Israel and to the Jewish people, a defender of human rights, and the son of a glorious family, who during his many years as a member of the Senate stood by Israel during its tough times as well.”
President Shimon Peres said in a statement, “He was an outstanding leader. He was a man of thought and his voice overpowered a lot of prejudice and walls. Kennedy was not only interested in global politics, but also in social issues, and said in one of his speeches that today’s problems are related to yesterday’s achievements — meaning that every generation must reach its own achievements.
“Kennedy was a declared friend of Israel throughout the way, and helped anywhere he could. He was a totally independent person, and his opinions did not stem from political or family-related considerations. He woke up in the morning as an independent man, with independent ideas and an independent voice.
“I believe many people worldwide listened to his voice because of the originality, the strength and the wisdom it expressed. I know this is a great loss to the American people and I share in the American people’s grief, but it’s also a great loss to any sensitive and thinking person in the entire world.
“The Kennedy family experienced greatness and tragedies — and he represented both courageously until his very last days, when he was hit by this horrible disease and fought it with unusual courage. May his soul rest in peace”, Peres concluded.
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