Israel's former president and prime minister, Shimon Peres, passed away today at the age of 93, following a stroke that happened two weeks ago.
Peres served as a member of the Knesset (parliament) for 50 years. From Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion's second government in 1959 up to the government of Ehud Olmert in 2007.
He served as a minister in 12 different governments – two as prime minister – and is the only Israeli to have ever served as both prime minister and president.
IDE President Yoram Dvash said following the announcement: "The State of Israel today lost one of its modern fathers who worked to found and shape the nature of the people who live in the land of Zion for half a century.
"His enormous contribution to the security of Israel will always be remembered along with his efforts to achieve peace with the Palestinians. Members of the Israel Diamond Exchange bow their heads to a great leader who left behind a wonderful legacy which will accompany us forever. May he rest in peace."
