1. President Shimon Peres

“The world lost a great leader who changed the course of history. On behalf of the citizens of Israel we mourn alongside the nations of the world and the people of South Africa, who lost an exceptional leader. Nelson Mandela was a fighter for human rights who left an indelible mark on the struggle against racism and discrimination. He was a passionate advocate for democracy, a respected mediator, a Nobel peace prize laureate and above all a builder of bridges of peace and dialogue who paid a heavy personal price for his struggle in the years he spent in prison and fighting for his people. Nelson Mandela’s legacy for his people and for the world will forever remain engraved in the pages of history and the hearts of all those who were touched by him. He will be remembered forever.”

2. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“Nelson Mandela was among the greatest figures of our time. He was the father of his country, a man of vision and a freedom fighter who disavowed violence. He set a personal example for his country during the long years in which he was imprisoned. He was never haughty. He worked to heal rifts within South African society and succeeded in preventing outbreaks of racial hatred. He will be remembered as the father of the new South Africa and a moral leader of the highest order.”

3. World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder

“Unquestionably the most inspiring human rights advocate of our times … Nelson Mandela was one of those very rare leaders who were revered not just by their own people but universally, across all political and communal divides. As a builder of bridges, he was second to none, and with his huge charisma, wisdom, democratic convictions and tremendous determination he ensured that the transition of his country from an apartheid state into a free and democratic nation was successful.”

4. Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky

“Nelson Mandela was able to transform an armed campaign into a  peaceful struggle for human rights. In doing so, he succeeded in building bridges and fostering cooperation where such ties had been previously been unimaginable. When we met in 1990, several months after his release from prison and several years after mine, I was struck by his ability to see beyond the immediate goals of his efforts, pursuing the brighter future we wished to see for all South Africans.”

5. South Africa Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein

“South African Jews have had a long, close and meaningful relationship with President Nelson Mandela….Judaism teaches that the best way to pay tribute to those who have passed on is to do good deeds in their honour.  The greatest tribute we can pay is to live like Mandela, in accordance with the values he practiced and taught – values of human dignity, forgiveness, kindness, courage, tenacity, strength, honesty and integrity. Let us all resolve to follow President Mandela’s inspiring moral legacy and let us commit to living in accordance with the values he taught us in the most eloquent and powerful sermon of all  –  his life.”

6. S. African Zionist Federation Chairman Avrom Krengel

“We salute and revere Mandela and his family for the special relationship he nurtured with the Jewish community throughout his life, and his connection to and admiration of Israel which he visited and whose founding fathers inspired him.   He will always have a very special meaning in our lives.”