Peres: Israel's ties with Egypt are historic
The president made a special visit to Shas spiritual leader in honor of Passover holiday; said Egyptians this year are 'trying to leave the house of slavery.'
By Haaretz ServiceIsrael's ties with Egypt are historic, President Shimon Peres said while visiting Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef in honor of the Passover holiday.
"This Passover is different from all others. This Passover, Egyptians themselves are trying to leave the house of slavery," Peres told the spiritual leader. The Passover story tells of how Jews fled slavery in Egypt in order to come to the land of Israel.
 |
President Shimon Peres with Shas siritual leader Ovadia Yosef |
| Photo by: Jossef Avi Yair Engel |
The president also spoke about the role of rabbis in the "pursuit for peace."
"The conflict must not be used to increase hate of the Arab world against us," Peres said, telling the rabbi "I ask for your blessing and help to advance peace."
The controversial issue of the conversion process of Israel Defense Forces soldiers also came up, with the president lauding Yosef's acceptance of the conversions.
"Your position and actions have aided many IDF soldiers who have endangered themselves to defend Israel," Peres told the rabbi.
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
