More than 1,100 supporters of the Jewish United
Fund of Metropolitan Chicago attended an intimate evening with former Prime
Minister and President of the State of Israel Shimon Peres on Oct. 28.
In a conversation moderated by JUF President Dr. Steven B. Nasatir, the
91-year-old Peres-who stood at David Ben-Gurion's side on May 14, 1948 as
Israel declared independence-discussed everything from that exciting day to the
current state of the world as it impacts Israel and Jews everywhere. (Watch the video of their conversation.)
"There are many who think the world is anti-Semitic," Peres said when asked
about the events of this past summer. "No, the world has changed for good and
worse."
Although growing Arab populations in Europe have caused
challenges for Israel and the Jewish people, he said, Israel has the support of
China and India, two of the world's largest and most populous countries, in
addition to that of that United States, which he called "the only country in
history caring for the welfare of other people."
"When I look around I
can't remember any country that contributed so much as the U.S.," he said.
"There is no country that is as generous as the U.S. without asking for
anything in return."
Peres also fielded a question about how he sees the
next generation from a current high school student and Write On for Israel
Fellow, Sari Mishell. He described young people today as extremely
well-informed, forward-looking and "the most honest generation we've ever
had."
"People say, 'Study history or you will repeat the same mistake';
but you make mistakes anyway," he said. "And when you look back, the past is an
ongoing mistake. Who wants to go back to the hunger, the shortcomings, the
ignorance? The young generation wants to move forward."
Nasatir thanked
Peres for attending and for his leadership over the last several decades.
"We are all lovers of Israel who have been inspired by your wisdom and your
leadership," he said. "This is a historic event for the Chicago Jewish
community and we thank you so much."
Peres was also interviewed
by the Chicago Tribune (subscription required) during his stay in
Chicago, and by JUF Chairman of the Board Bill Silverstein at a private JUF
event the night prior to the Vanguard dinner.
The Vanguard event, which
helps launch the 2015 JUF Annual Campaign, was hosted by Neil G. Bluhm,
Vanguard dinner chair, and Sara Crown Star, 2015 JUF general campaign
chair.
