Shimon Peres was an Israeli statesman who served as the ninth President of Israel from 2007 to 2014. He was also twice Prime Minister of Israel and held several other high-level positions, including Minister of Defense and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Born in Poland in 1923, Peres immigrated to Palestine with his family in 1934. He became involved with the Haganah, the precursor to the Israel Defense Forces, as a teenager and played a key role in the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.
Peres was known for his efforts to promote peace in the Middle East and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994, along with Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat, for his work on the Oslo Accords. He continued to work toward peace throughout his life, founding the Peres Center for Peace in 1996.
Peres passed away on September 28, 2016, at the age of 93. He was remembered as a visionary leader and a tireless advocate for peace and security in the Middle East.
<aside> 🇮🇱 "Reflect on your own journey in academia. What are the key areas of expertise you have developed over time? How did these areas come to be your specialisation and how do they inform your current research interests?"
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“Well, my journey in academia has been one of continuous learning and growth. Over time, I have developed expertise in various fields, including diplomacy, security, and economics. This expertise came about through a combination of formal education, practical experience, and a genuine passion for understanding the world around us.
As for my specialisation, I have always been drawn to the study of international relations and the pursuit of peace and stability in the world. My experiences as a diplomat and politician have only strengthened this interest, and I believe that my current research interests are informed by a desire to find practical solutions to some of the most pressing global challenges we face today.
At the end of the day, I believe that academia has a vital role to play in shaping the future of our world, and I am committed to doing my part to contribute to this noble mission. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on this important topic.”