5 things you didn’t know about Shimon Peres

Advertisement

Israeli President Shimon Peres is due to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama on June 13. Here’s a list of five lesser-known distinctions that the Israeli leader has held in his 88 years — 89 in August, poo poo.
Shimon Peres…

1. Is a first cousin of Lauren Bacall (born Betty Joan Perske).

2. Is the world’s second-oldest sitting head of state.

3. Has held the title prime minister three times.

4. Helped establish the Dimona nuclear reactor.

5. Gifted Bill Clinton a silver tray that the latter used as a “Jewish Drawer” of sorts for items he wore at Yitzhak Rabin’s funeral.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement