Across the world, influentials mourn Shimon Peres' death
In his half-century of public service, former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres left an impact on the country's people, as well as government officials, entrepreneurs and celebrities across the world.
Many have taken to social media to express their condolences over the death of Peres, 93, who over his 55-year career, had served as deputy defense minister, finance minister, foreign minister and prime minister.
In a statement from the White House, President Obama described Peres as a leader who changed the course of history and "forced us to expect more from ourselves."
"A light has gone out, but the hope he gave us will burn forever," Obama said. "Shimon Peres was a soldier for Israel, for the Jewish people, for justice, for peace and for the belief that we can be true to our best selves — to the very end of our time on Earth, and in the legacy that we leave to others. "
Former U.S. president George H.W. Bush praised Peres as a man who dedicated his life to service and "helped pave a path to peace broad enough that future generations will walk it one day, side-by-side."
The Clintons released a statement, referring to Peres as a fervent support of peace and reconciliation.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement Peres was "a man of peace" and a widely revered stateman.
"He was devoted to promoting understanding between his country and its neighbours, and shared a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to create peace in the Middle East," Trudeau said.
Others, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, U.S. ambassador Samantha Powers and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, lamented the loss: