Shimon Peres laid to rest in Jerusalem

World Today

Shimon Peres, one of the founders of Israel who held nearly every major office during a career that spanned more than 60 years, was buried in Jerusalem Friday. Like many statesmen, Peres leaves behind a complex legacy.

CCTV’s Stephanie Freid reports from Jerusalem.

Family members and honored guests from all over the world came to honor one of Israel’s founding fathers.

Bidding farewell to Shimon Peres, 90 delegates and officials from 70 different countries including: China, India, Korea, United States, Canada, England, Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. Whatever criticism there may have been of Shimon Peres during his lifetime, the turnout here is testimony to who he was.

“Shimon lived a life of purpose. He soared to incredible heights. He swept so many with his vision and his hope. He was a great man of Israel. He was a great man of the world,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

Peres was Israel’s “biggest dreamer,” former U.S. President Bill Clinton said.

His biggest dream went unrealized: A withstanding Palestinian-Israeli peace accord. The guest list for his funeral hinted that someday his dream may be fulfilled.

Guests and family members accompanied Shimon Peres to his final resting place in Mt. Herzl cemetary, where he was buried between former prime ministers Shamir and Rabin.

The ceremony closes the final chapter on the life of a man who, from his twenties to his final days at age 93, shaped Israel’s character and its future.