; Whereas in 2007, now a member of the Kadima party, Peres was elected as Israel’s ninth President; Whereas in July 2012, Peres was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom; Whereas in May 2014, Peres was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal; Whereas Peres passed away on September 28, 2016, in Israel, leaving a legacy of strong leadership and dedication to achieving peace; and Whereas Peres is survived by his three children and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Now, therefore, be it