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Peres Delivers Israel's Call for Peace to Congregation: The Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center Hosted Israel's Former Prime Minister Shimon Peres As Part of the Synagogue's Distinguished Speaker Series

Posted on: Sunday, 5 March 2006, 13:01 CST

By Carli Teproff, The Miami Herald

Mar. 5--Over the years, Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center has rolled out the red carpet for well-known politicians including former President Bill Clinton, former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Vice President Dick Cheney.

So, when former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres visited the temple last week -- for the second time -- the 1,000-member congregation was ready to welcome the Nobel Peace laureate again.

"We have gained a reputation as a house of learning," said the center's executive Vice President Amir Baron. "Dignitaries are interested in visiting because of our dedication and commitment to Israel and the local community."

On Feb. 25, the center's enormous main sanctuary was filled as Peres delivered Israel's call for peace.

"Israel faces a very demanding, very serious situation," Peres said to the audience of about 1,200, "but we will come together and succeed."

With the Islamist militant group Hamas in control of the Palestinian Parliament following recent elections, Israel fears that peace will be even more difficult to achieve.

Peres, a major architect of the 1993 Oslo Accords -- which set a framework for Palestinian self-government -- was at the temple to speak about Israel's current situation and assure South Floridians that his country would maintain its identity and continue to pursue peace.

"We will remain a Jewish state," he said, as applause erupted from the crowd. "We are ready to negotiate for peace."

Part-time Aventura resident Sheldon Rittenberg said it was important for South Florida to hear about developments in Israel right from the source.

"He is a very credible person and he is here telling us that Israel is crying out for peace," Rittenberg said. "Now he just needs to get everyone to listen."

Peres told the audience that he enjoys speaking to the South Florida Jewish community because it is "warm and inviting."

Baron explained that the temple's membership shows an admiration for Israel and political leaders often come to visit because they see that the congregation is "committed to their spiritual homeland.

"They see us as ambassadors who bring the message of Israel to South Florida," he said.

Peres' 30-minute speech was part of the synagogue's traditional Shabbat services led by Rabbi Jack M. Rosoff. Throughout the services, community members and Aventura city officials recited prayers not only for Israel but also for the United States armed services.

Aventura Mayor Susan Gottlieb read the leaders' prayer asking God to "unite the inhabitants of our country," before Allan Feingold, president of the congregation, introduced Peres.

"[Peres] is literally the story of the modern state of Israel," Feingold said. "He is a well-respected, longtime statesman for Israel and will be an Israeli statesman for all times."

Thunderous applause broke out as Peres came to the podium to describe Israel's "dramatic state of affairs."

At 82, Peres is still involved in Israeli government.

"It is important to inform everyone about Israel," Peres said after his speech. "We need to maintain a relationship with the Jewish communities outside of Israel."

Peres came to South Florida as Israel prepares for March 28 parliamentary elections that will form a new government.

Peres also spoke about the importance of Israeli leaders coming together for the good of the country, noting that he and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon -- now gravely ill after suffering a major stroke -- joined forces last year to create the Kadima party.

Peres has high hopes for the fledgling party and believes that acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has a real chance of winning the elections. Olmert's two main rivals for prime minister are former Prime Minister Netanyahu of the Likud party and ex-union boss Amir Peretz of the Labor party.

Though Peres said he wasn't on a campaign trail, he said the elections are important to Israel's future. If Olmert wins, the next step will be to continue to negotiate for permanent borders in the West Bank, he said.

Part-time Hallandale Beach resident Estelle Sweet was impressed that the temple was able to have Peres speak and she felt better knowing that Israel was going to be OK.

"It is very interesting to hear a man like that speak," Sweet said. "All we hear about Israel is what we see in the news. This was a first-hand account."

Baron said with everything going on it was important for someone like Peres to explain the situation in Israel.

"The visit of Shimon Peres electrified the community and infused Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center with renewed energy and love for our spiritual homeland Israel," he said.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Miami Herald

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Source: The Miami Herald

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