Israel’s former President, Prime Minister and elder statesman, Shimon Peres, died on Tuesday after having suffered a stroke two weeks earlier. He was 93.
Peres’ standing in the world of international politics, and the impact he had during his decades of public service, was evidenced by the tributes and condolences expressed by several world leaders, past and present, following his death.
In a statement, U.S. President Barack Obama mourned the passing of his “dear friend Shimon Peres,” hailing the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s “unshakeable moral foundation and unflagging optimism.”
Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush also released heartfelt tributes. “It was by his innate humanity, his decency, that Shimon inspired the world over and helped pave a path to peace,” Bush said.
American politicians on both sides of the aisle, including House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Democratic Party leader Nancy Pelosi, also expressed their condolences.
Read TIME’s exclusive interview with Peres on peace, war and Israel’s future here.
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Write to Rishi Iyengar at rishi.iyengar@timeasia.com