Israeli President Shimon Peres received the Congressional Gold Medal at a special ceremony at the United States Capitol Rotunda.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”  (1 Timothy 2:1–2)

For the first time in history, the highest honor the United States legislature can confer, the Congressional Gold Medal, has been awarded to a sitting President of Israel.

Outgoing Israeli President Shimon Peres, who is also a Nobel laureate, was awarded the medal on Tuesday and accepted it at a special ceremony held Thursday at the United States Capitol Rotunda.

Peres, who is 90, has worked with American leaders for decades.  Republican House Speaker John Boehner praised him as the “great prototype of the Israeli statesman.”

“This medal says to our young people and yours—never get cynical, never give in to expediency, and know that America will always stand by Israel, and with all men and women of peace,” Boehner said.

Speaker John Boehner sits beside Israeli President Shimon Peres during a ceremony awarding Peres with the Congressional Gold Medal.

Commenting on the optimism and good will that have been a guiding forces in Peres’ life and leadership, Nevada Senator Harry Reid said, “This Gold Medal we honor you with today, was first given to our inaugural President, the Father of our Country, George Washington.  This medal epitomizes all that you have meant to Congress, the people of the United States of America, and the world.  Mr. President, you have for these many decades worked tirelessly to make the world a better place for all of God’s children.”

In his acceptance speech, Peres thanked the US on behalf of Israel, saying, “You helped us maintain a resilient democracy, to become strong enough to take risks for peace….  You send us a clear message that we are not alone.”

True to his usual optimistic stance, he referred to peace with the Palestinians as the “most possible impossibility.”

Calling Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas a peace partner, he noted that Abbas had condemned the recent kidnapping of three Israeli teens who were on their way home from school.  He also said that the kidnappers were “trying to destroy” the PA.

He explained that wars can be waged alone, but peace required a collective effort, and called on the United States to continue to support Israel in its quest for peace.

“The challenges we face are considerable.  Together, we must fight terrorism, advance peace, and prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability,” he said, emphasizing that Iran must be judged “by its actions not by words.”

Israeli President Shimon Peres speaks at the Capitol Rotunda after receiving the Congressional Gold Medal.

Peres also paid tribute to the American dream, saying, “Many people call me a dreamer.  I suppose that’s why I have always felt at home in the United States of America—America that was given the privilege to carry the dreams of humanity.”

In 2012, Peres also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  He is the tenth person in history to win both medals.

Receiving both honors placed the president in the extraordinary company of three others who have received the Congressional Gold Medal, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Nobel Peace Prize: Aung San Suu Kyi, Mother Teresa, and Nelson Mandela.

Peres, who was elected in 2007, will step down in July.  Former speaker of the Knesset (parliament) Reuven Rivlin, who was elected earlier this month, will serve as Israel’s tenth president.