Monday, January 13, 2014

Ariel Sharon

                Ariel Sharon, the former Prime Minister of Israel, passed away on Saturday afternoon, January 11, 2014, at the Sheba Medical Center at age 85.  He was born on February 26, 1928, in Kfar Malal, Israel, to Dvora Scheinerman and Shmuel Scheinerman.  He was known by at least two other names:  Bulldozer and Ariel Scheinermann.  He was married twice, first to Margalit Sharon (married 1953-1962) and later to Lily Sharon (married 1963-2000).

                Sharon was an Israeli statesman, a retired general who served as commander in the Israeli Army from its beginning in 1948, Defense Minister of Israel (1981-1983), and Prime Minister of Israel (2001-2006).  He was “one of the most important and controversial figures in Israel’s history.”  He “fought terrorists in his military career and rivals in politics” but “lost the final battle for his health more than eight years after the stroke that ended his six decades of public service.”

                Sharon’s body laid in state at Knesset before  memorial at 10:00 and a military funeral at 2:30 on Monday, January 13, on the Hill of the Anemones outside his ranch.  He was buried beside Lily, his wife of 37 years.

                “President Shimon Peres called Sharon a great and courageous leader who loved his people and was loved by them.  He said that Sharon knew no fear and that he would miss him personally as a friend.

                “Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu expressed `deep sorrow’ over the death of Sharon, once a tough political rival, saying he was `first and foremost a courageous warrior and an outstanding general, one of the greatest commanders in the IDF….  Ariel Sharon played a central role in the struggle for the security of Israel throughout the years.


                I chose Ariel Sharon as my VIP for this week because he played an important role in the history of Israel in many ways for many years. I believe we should keep our eyes on Israel, not only because it is an important ally of the United States but also because great events will happen there in the not too distant future.   

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