Shimon Peres

"He altered the image of the Jew from that of rabbi, merchant, wanderer, to that of scientist, farmer and soldier. "

"He restored the Bible to its people, he restored the people to the Bible. "

"If a problem has no solution, it may not be a problem, but a fact - not to be solved, but to be coped with over time. "

"It is not only the psychology of the people that makes them so exacting-their geographical situation has been equally problematic. "

"Leading the Jewish people is not easy-we are a divided, obstinate, highly individualistic people who have cultivated faith, sharp-wittedness and polemics to a very high level. "

"Nothing had excited me-the huge cars, the entourages, the bodyguards, the policeman jumping to attention, all meant nothing to me ... till I came to the old man's office. (On becoming prime minister) "

"Why cross an ocean when you can cross a river Why should we sail to Washington when we can meet right away 10 miles from here (On Middle East peace initiative) "