(Communicated by the President’s Office)

President Shimon Peres, today (Wednesday, 1 May 2013), in the Italian city of Asisi, received the "Honorary Citizenship of Peace" of the city of Assisi, the symbol of peace in Italy, at a ceremony attended Assisi  Mayor Claudio Ricci, dignitaries and hundreds Franciscan friars. During the ceremony President Peres received the unique award and the key to the city of Assisi for the first time in history. Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, was filled with thousands of tourists, Franciscan choirs, dancing troupes and more.

Mayor Ricci, who presented President Peres with the award, delivered a speech which included the considerations for presenting the award. During the speech he explained that President Peres was the first to receive the Honorary Citizenship of Peace of Assisi, a city which prides itself on its place in history as a place of peace and tolerance. Mr. Ricci to President Peres that, "The city of Assisi sees in you, Shimon Peres, as a promoter of the values of peace and dialogue. We know that peace is complicated, that it is not easy to achieve but peace is a way of life, a fulfillment of hope and you, Mr. President, are an exemplary role model."

President Peres thanked his hosts for the award and called for cooperation between faiths for the sake of peace, "We have to pray together for the end of the terrible bloodshed in our region, and make the region a place where “people walk together hand in hand". I believe that the religious leaders of all faiths can contribute greatly to peace. To put an end to violence and destitution. The Holy Francis preferred a cloak made of simple fabric, sandals, a rope rather than a belt. To be modest is a great message to persons who want to dedicate themselves to public life: Better serve than rule. He called to: love faith; to love the poor; to pursue peace; to respect your environment. These calls are as relevant today, as they were in 1208, when the Order was founded. Saint Francis travelled in 1219 to Egypt and the Holy Land to call for a dialogue and reject violence. It is as necessary today, as it was then."

President Peres also used his speech to thank the city of Assisi, on behalf of the Jewish people, for their actions which saved Jewish lives during the Second World War. The Convento Di San Damiano transformed Assisi into a refugee for Jews and over 300 Jews were saved in the city. and said, "I am carrying with me the profound thanks of my people to the people of Assisi. We shall never forget your unusual effort to save Jewish life. On September 8th, 1943 the Germans occupied Assisi. Until then there were no Jews in Assisi. But after the German occupation, Assisi, headed by its local Bishop and his friars, used their monastery as a shelter to save Jewish refugees.  300 Jewish refugees were saved. And in addition, old and sick women and children, who ran away from Liguria and Toscana, were brought here to find a shelter. The friars risked their lives to save the lives of others. Four of them were chosen to become Righteous Among Nations. Thank you from the depth of our hearts."

Before the beginning of the event an emotional moment took place when President Peres and the Bishop offered a prayer together in Hebrew.

The Custos of Assisi Sacred Convent, Father Mauro Gambetti and The Franciscan friars,
The Mayor of Assisi, Mr. Claudio Ricci,
The President of the Umbria Region, Mrs. Catiuscia Marini,
The Bishop of Assisi, His Excellency Monsignor Domenico Sorrentino,
Representatives of religious, civil and military authorities,

I am very moved by the decision to confer on me, actually on my people, the Honorary Citizenship for Peace award of Assisi.

Assisi is one of the greatest historic cities, maybe not in size, but certainly in spirit. Francesco di Bernardone decided to devote his life to battling poverty, to seeking peace, to revering modesty. He was right.

So even if our world has become global, it should remain moral as well – in fact, all the more so.

Our present age is conditioned by science and technology. But science was and remains neutral. Human beings are the ones that can make science a blessing or a curse.

The holy Franciscan preferred a cloak made of simple fabric, sandals, a rope rather than a belt. To be modest is a great message to persons who want to dedicate themselves to public life: Better serve than rule. He called to: love faith; to love the poor; to pursue peace; to respect your environment.

These calls are as relevant today, as they were in 1208, when the Order was founded. Saint Francis travelled in 1219 to Egypt and the Holy Land to call for a dialogue and reject violence. It is as necessary today, as it was then.

We have to pray together for the end of the terrible bloodshed in our region, and make the region a place where “people walk together hand in hand.”

I am carrying with me the profound thanks of my people to the people of Assisi. We shall never forget your unusual effort to save Jewish life.

On September 8th, 1943 the Germans occupied Assisi. Until then there were no Jews in Assisi. But after the German occupation, Assisi, headed by its local Bishop and his friars, used their monastery as a shelter to save Jewish refugees. 300 Jewish refugees were saved. And in addition, old and sick women and children, who ran away from Liguria and Toscana, were brought here to find a shelter.

The friars risked their lives to save the lives of others. Four of them were chosen to become Righteous Among Nations. Thank you from the depth of our hearts.

As you know, I have come to invite Pope Francis for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

The Pope has already won the admiration of the whole world. His true modesty, his love for peace, his concern for the poor, for social justice and his call for interfaith dialogue blows like fresh air. He is a great friend of the Jewish people, and has had a very close relationship with the Jewish community and its leadership in Buenos Aires, where he was Cardinal.

I believe that the religious leaders of all faiths can contribute greatly to peace. To put an end to violence and destitution.

The real menace of the Middle East today is existential rather than political. Efforts to end hunger, diminish ignorance and save the lives of millions of children, will also save the future.

We have to seek a permanent solution, and not ignore short-term gains.

All of us are praying from the ancient Book of Books. And we have to look at the future with fresh eyes.

Assisi can serve as a great reminder of the two commitments: to respect the past, to serve the future."