Jerusalem's Binyanei HaUma Renamed in Honor of Late Shimon Peres
Binyanei HaUma convention center in Jerusalem has been officially renamed after the late ninth President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres on the decade of his passing. President Isaac Herzog and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion attended the formal ceremony.
Jerusalem's iconic Binyanei HaUma convention center has been officially renamed in honor of the late ninth President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres, marking a decade since his passing during a formal ceremony held on Tuesday.
The official ceremony was attended by President Isaac Herzog, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky, members of the Peres family, and prominent figures who accompanied him throughout his decades of public service.
A Historic Venue for State Events
Since their establishment, Binyanei HaUma have served as the "national auditorium" of the country, acting as a premier stage for historical events, international summits, and diplomatic gatherings. In 2008, Peres established the "President's Conference" at the venue, bringing world leaders, entrepreneurs, and opinion shapers to Jerusalem, which became a central pillar of his vision connecting the country to the global community.
President Isaac Herzog shared the story behind the initiative:
«The connection taking place here today, between the leader who saw everything and the hall that saw everything, is a natural and fitting tribute to the memory of Shimon Peres. While serving as Chairman of the Jewish Agency, I approached my friend, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, and proposed naming Binyanei HaUma after him.»
Family and Municipal Tributes
Peres's daughter, Prof. Tzvia (Peres) Walden, addressed the attendees:
«Binyanei HaUma embody many of Peres's traits: the first of these buildings stands tall like a mountain, coated in Jerusalem stone, and its plaza is completely open; our father was a steadfast rock in his work and open to the world. As a man of letters, he frequented the book fair here time and again, and as an incorrigible optimist, he believed that out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of peace from Jerusalem.»
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion added that Peres was one of the chief architects of the state, a man who dedicated his life to building the land, its security, and its future, noting that it is entirely fitting for the historic venue to bear his name.
