Obama, World Leaders Mourn Former Israeli Prime Minister & President Shimon Peres
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Thousands of statesmen and world dignitaries paid their respects to the last founding father of Israel, honoring a man who was dedicated to peace and public service.
Former Israeli Prime Minister and President Shimon Peres, who died Wednesday two weeks after suffering a major stroke, was laid to rest in Jerusalem on Friday.
"Israel grieves for him, the world grieves for him," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
PHOTOS: Shimon Peres Funeral | Shimon Peres Through The Years
Former President Bill Clinton also remembered his friend and close political ally, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who negotiated the Oslo Peace Accords with Palestine and constantly worked towards peace, despite disappointments.
"Always was in awe of his endless capacity to move beyond even the most crushing setbacks in order to seize the possibilities of each new day," Clinton said.
President Barack Obama also spoke of the man who held nearly every senior political office in Israel.
"The region is going through a chaotic time, threats are ever present and yet he did not stop dreaming and he did not stop working," Obama said. "Shimon accomplished enough things in his life for a thousand men."
With Rosh Hashana beginning Sunday at sundown, this new year will be the first the country will have without Peres.
"Shimon Peres was a light for us and his legacy will still be here in the next year, even without him," one man said.
No part of Israel was left untouched by his influence and service that spanned more than half a century, CBS2's Magdalena Doris reported.
Peres was 93 years old.
