Though instrumental in Israel’s first years in building its defense establishment and later in securing its nuclear potential, he emerged in time as a champion of making peace with Palestinians. He spent much of his long life in the rough-and-tumble of Israeli politics, serving as a minister in 12 cabinets. He never succeeded in his quest to be elected prime minister, though he filled the office three times either through political arrangement or on an interim basis. An immigrant from Poland 14 years before the state of Israel was established, raised on a kibbutz and a protégé of David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, Mr. Peres was a charter member of the generation that created the Jewish nation. Throughout the ups and downs, and deep into old age, Mr. Peres remained resolutely optimistic and tireless — tireless in his reading, speaking, communing and traveling.

Source: New York Times September 28, 2016 23:24 UTC