Shimon Peres (z”l)

The Milwaukee Jewish Federation deeply mourns the passing of Shimon Peres, z”l, universally recognized as one of Israel’s greatest leaders and one of North American Jewry’s closest Israeli friends.

A member of Israel’s founding generation, an eloquent spokesperson for his country and a strong advocate for Jewish peoplehood, Peres was both a pragmatist and unwaveringly optimistic that Israel would reach peace with its neighbors. He dedicated his life to that pursuit, having held nearly every cabinet position during his storied career, serving twice as prime minister and once as president.

Senator Herb Kohl, Shimon Peres and Sheldon Lubar in Milwaukee, 1977.

Peres came to Milwaukee for a Milwaukee Jewish Federation Annual Campaign event – “Meet Shimon Peres: An Evening of Commitment and Concern” – in 1977.

This picture, published in the November 24, 1977 issue of the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, shows Peres with Sheldon Lubar and Senator Herb Kohl. The newspaper states, “On November 14, 1977, Shimon Peres called upon Milwaukee Jewry to support the People of Israel. The response at the Pacesetters Meeting was unprecedented: the $2 million mark was surpassed.” View more photos from the 1977 event.

May the memory of Shimon Peres be a blessing, and may his children Dr. Tsvia Walden, Yoni Peres and Nechemia Peres; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.