Dear Shimon Peres,
As the nation, and the world, says “Good-bye Mr. President” I want to share with you some thoughts of your impact on the world you just have left…. Actually, not just about your impact on the world, but your impact on my life. I wanted my own chance to say: Good-bye Mr. President.
Today people remember you as a founder of the State of Israel.
People remember you came to help create the State in the Fifth Aliyah.
They remember you for your role as the Minister of Defense.
Some will remember your role as a negotiator with the United States, Great Britain, and France (just to name a few).
Others will remember role as Foreign Minister and your key role in the Oslo Accords of the 1990’s.
People will remember you for your time as Prime Minister.
Many will remember your in- depth knowledge and love for the sciences, history, languages, and your understanding of your fellow man.
In addition, we will all remember your presidency. And we will all remember your legacy.
Without question, you will live on through your legacy, your center for peace, your memory, and the love that the world has for you.
In short, people will remember you.
But, what was your impact on my life? How will I remember you?
I remember being a young child, and hearing about this man whose image seemed larger than life. I remember seeing pictures of you with my great- uncle, Irving Bernstein.
But I will also always remember your constant search for peace, your never- ending efforts to make the search a reality- whether that be meeting leaders around the world, empowering children of the next generation, or implementing policy.
I remember that grandfather feeling everyone seemed to feel just looking at you.
I will still laugh when comedians on TV impersonate your unforgettable voice. I will remember your own joy in hearing a good joke, or even making one! A personal favorite of your jokes was telling former President Bill Clinton you would be at his funeral.
Lastly, I will forever use your love for Israel as an example in my own life. Even when you criticized, no one ever doubted how much you loved your country or your Zionism. The same goes for your love and respect for your fellow man, regardless of age, sex, faith, or background.
And so in your honor…
From this day forward I will look into the person instead of at the person. And I will aim to make people feel like family, even if I don’t know them. After all isn’t that what we are- one, big family?
I will aim to create a peaceful, fair society and world in any small way that I can. As an individual, I may not make policy on the national level, but I do make the rules in my own home. I, however subconsciously, encourage my friends’ and coworkers’ behavior. And in these ways, on this level, I can create a puzzle piece of your dream.
In addition, I will respect, listen, and learn from all those around me, regardless of race, age, sex, faith, or background. I will remember everyone has something they can teach me.
And I will forever love this country of ours, this place called Israel, for all its might, its love, its brainpower, and its wonders.
Oh, and I also promise to check in with you every once in awhile to see how things are going.
Former Mr. President Shimon Peres,
Thank you. Thank you for all you have done for this country, this people, and the world.
Good-bye Mr. President. You will be sorely missed.
But I ask one more service for us. Please look down on us with a smile.
Much love,
Samantha
