BICOM

Israeli President Shimon Peres warmly congratulated Queen Elizabeth at a celebration to mark her Diamond Jubilee, hosted by British Ambassador Matthew Gould at his residence outside Tel Aviv last night. Peres praised the Queen’s leadership and her defence of democracy. He also emphasised the important influence British democracy had on inspiring Israel’s early leaders to instil democratic institutions and values within Israeli society. He recalled that David Ben Gurion, to whom Peres was a close aide, was inspired by his experience of being in London during the Blitz, and the fortitude of the British people who did not give up their democratic values even in war time. Peres told the large gathering, “As former British subjects and current Israel citizens, we owe deep gratitude to Britain and the royal dynasty.” He also thanked the Queen again for the honorary knighthood he received in 2008. In return Ambassador Gould praised Peres, saying, “There are very few people who can compare to the Queen and her 60 years, but you are undoubtedly one of them. The Queen unites all parts of Britain and its people, and like her, you are the one who unites all the parts of Israel.”