Friends!

Friends! 12 years ago, died the seventh President of Israel - Ezer Weizman. The Israelis regarded him differently, some supported his views and policies, others - no. But the day of burial of Ezer Weizmann showed - the people loved him.

Ezer Weizman was born in Tel Aviv on the 15th of June, 1924. In 1942, he entered the British army, served in Egypt and India. He was a famous fighter pilot, perfectly distinguished himself during the War of Independence. In 1958 he was appointed Brigadier General of the Air Force of Israel. Then Ezer served in the General Staff, but in 1969 - resigned.

Then began his political career - he joined the Herut party, later - led it. In 1977, Weizmann was appointed the Minister of Defense of Israel, because of his experience. And he really showed himself - made every effort for the development of the Israeli defense industry, increased military export of Israel, approved the program of the Israeli fighter. Ezer actually created the Israeli Air Force, upgraded them to create a real fleet.

In addition, he created a special atmosphere inside the army team. Commanders had to know not only names of employees, but all their family’s members, to be interested in personal life of militaries, help them if it was needed. Weizmann himself also followed these rules. Beyond that - he took a rule to personally visit all families where the Israeli military were killed when he became president.

In 1980, Weizman resigned from the government - through a reduction in the defense budget and unwillingness of the government to serious negotiations on autonomy Arab population in Judea, Samaria and Gaza stripes.

In 13 years Ezer Weizman won the presidential election race. He was second after Yitzhak Navon person, born in Israel, who took the presidency. Although normally power of the president in Israel is limited Ezer has spoken with his political initiatives. He insisted that work on the peace process in Israel has to be more productive. Weizmann was supported - in 1998 he again was appointed president. But he was forced to resign, because in 1980 received cash gift from a French millionaire Sarusi, about which he did not report Israeli tax. Then he did not hold any high positions, but imagine, it took 20 years after the incident, but this accusation was enough to make a man resigned.

But his great deeds and efforts for the development of Israel have not gone unnoticed. On the day of the death of the former president said goodbye, literally the whole country.

The Ezer’s uncle - the first President of Israel Chaim Weizmann said that it is very difficult to be president in a country where there are 4 million of presidents. Ezer himself agreed with this, said: "It is very difficult to be the president of a people unless you prefer to be deaf, dumb, and preferably blind." Ezer Weizman was never blind to his subordinates when he was a general and saw the problems of people, when he became president. The ability to hear, see and understand – is what is needed not only by the politicians, but by us too, dear friends.