Shimon Peres

Easton Press Shimon Peres books

The New Middle East - signed first edition - 1994

Shimon Peres biography

Shimon Peres, born on August 2, 1923, in Wiszniew, Poland (now Vishnyeva, Belarus), was an Israeli statesman, politician, and Nobel laureate who played a pivotal role in shaping the history and politics of Israel. With a career spanning more than seven decades, Peres was a tireless advocate for peace, a visionary leader, and a staunch defender of Israel's security and prosperity. Peres' early years were marked by tragedy and upheaval. His family immigrated to Palestine in 1934 to escape anti-Semitic persecution, settling in Tel Aviv. Peres quickly became involved in the Zionist movement and joined the Haganah, the underground Jewish paramilitary organization that played a crucial role in the establishment of the State of Israel.

After Israel declared independence in 1948, Peres embarked on a distinguished political career that would see him hold numerous high-ranking positions within the Israeli government. He served as Director-General of the Ministry of Defense in the 1950s, where he played a key role in building Israel's defense capabilities and forging strategic alliances with Western powers. In the 1960s, Peres entered the world of electoral politics, becoming a member of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) and rising through the ranks of the Israeli Labor Party. Throughout his career, Peres held several ministerial portfolios, including Defense Minister, Foreign Minister, and Finance Minister, earning a reputation as a skilled negotiator and a pragmatic leader. One of Peres' most enduring legacies is his role in the peace process between Israel and its Arab neighbors. He was instrumental in negotiating the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, which laid the groundwork for a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). For his efforts, Peres was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994, along with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat.

In addition to his political career, Peres was also a prolific author and thinker, publishing several books on topics ranging from politics and diplomacy to technology and innovation. He was a fervent advocate for harnessing the power of science and technology to promote peace and prosperity in the Middle East.

Shimon Peres served as President of Israel from 2007 to 2014, capping off a remarkable career dedicated to the service of his country and the pursuit of peace. He passed away on September 28, 2016, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy, security, and peace.