(Communicated by the Office of the President)

President Shimon Peres (Wednesday, 30 October 2013) hosted Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark at his Residence in Jerusalem, on the first day of the latter's visit to Israel. The visit centers on remembrance events to mark 70 years since the rescue of the Danish Jewish community.

President Peres welcomed Crown Prince Frederik to Israel and said, "Let me express the appreciation of our people and of myself for your timely visit to our land and to Jerusalem. Denmark is an exemplary country in the world, a state based on peace, social justice and caring for people. I believe that's why you're admired. I want to express our profound thanks to your people for what they did during the Holocaust.

Among all other countries, it was Denmark that made a supreme attempt to save the lives of the Jewish people in your country either by hiding them, defending them or shipping them to Sweden. Most of them were saved and we shall never forget it, we consider it a historic act. I would like to express my personal appreciation for your visit and I hope that the Queen will follow suit; in our days parents are following their children and we shall be delighted to host her here."

Crown Prince Frederik thanked President Peres and said, "Thank you very much Mr. President, I would like to extend my warmest wishes from my parents, Margrethe, Queen of Denmark and my father, Henrik, the Prince Consort of Denmark. On a personal note it is fantastic to be in Israel and to visit so far the museum and to witness also the part that tells a positive story during World War II about Danish Jews being shipped and rescued on small boats across from the shores of eastern Denmark to Swedish shores, that was a very bold act of good Danish citizens who came from all walks of life and who did not hesitate to act when it was very necessary. For me this is something personal but today our two countries commemorate this. I will remember this visit for the rest of my life."