AUSTRALIAN leaders have added their voices to the chorus of world leaders paying tribute to the last founding father of Israel, Shimon Peres, who passed away at the age of 93 on Wednesday morning.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said “Australia mourns the passing of Shimon Peres, his life was as eventful as it was long: his passion for the State of Israel, which he helped found, as strong as his commitment to peace.
“Shimon Peres was a fierce defender of Israel’s security and its ability to defend itself. He was equally a tireless advocate for peace.
“Shimon Peres had a special fondness for Australia.
“He spoke emotionally of the sacrifices made by Australians who fell in World War 1 in the Middle East, so far from home, and he would recall warmly the friendliness and informality of the Australian diggers stationed in Israel during World War II.”
Read the story by Joshua Levi in the Australian Jewish News.