Israeli President Reuven Rivlin paid his respects to Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at Parliament House on Friday (Mar 27).

Mr Rivlin cited Ecclesiastes 7:1 from the Bible's Old Testament in his tribute to Mr Lee. “’A good name is better than a good perfume', for a good name will last forever.  In memory of a leader whose deeds and legacy will be remembered always. A dear friend of Israel and the Jewish people," he wrote in Mr Lee’s official book of condolence.

Mr Rivlin attended Mr Lee's State Funeral on Sunday at the National University of Singapore's University Cultural Centre. The Israeli President said he also hoped to strengthen ties between the two nations during his visit. 

Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an official statement that Mr Lee will be remembered with great admiration and respect. 

"Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of Singapore, was not only a great leader of his nation, but also a figure of great international renown," he said.

"Under his leadership, Singapore set an example of how a small country can become an economic powerhouse by harnessing the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of its people. He will be remembered in Israel and around the world with great admiration and respect."​

During his visit, President Rivlin met with world leaders including India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A small, intimate session with the Israeli community was also hosted by Ambassador Yael Rubinstein. 

(Credit: MCI)




Credit: Ministry of External Affairs of India

PM Netanyahu's Statement on the Passing of Lee Kuan Yew

(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued the following statement on the passing of former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew: