Former president Ezer Weizman died at his home in Caesarea last night, at the age of 81. Weizman was Israel's seventh president. He had held a number of top political and military posts, including commander of the Israel Air Force, head of the IDF Operations Branch, Minister of Defense, Minister of Transport, and Minister of Science and Technology.
"Galei Zahal" (IDF Radio) reported that, two months ago, Weizman was hospitalized at Rambam Medical Center intensive care unit in Haifa for a chill that deteriorated into pneumonia. His health improved two weeks ago; he was able to breath unaided and speak with people around him. His doctors therefore released him to his home, but his health deteriorated again yesterday morning, and he passed away in the evening.
Weizman's funeral will be held tomorrow at the Or Akiva cemetery. Although he is entitled to burial in the leaders of Israel section on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, Weizman asked to be buried next to his son, who was killed in a traffic accident.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said, “Ezer is a symbol and a model of the sabra (native Israeli). Every station in his life was a cornerstone for the building of this land: In the Irgun, in establishing the Israeli Air Force, in turning it into a the IDF’s spearhead, in the glorious victory of the Six Day War, as minister of defense, as a central figure in the peace accords with Egypt, and as a president who was loved by all classes in society."
Weizman's close friend, Vice Premier Shimon Peres, eulogized him, saying, "Weizman devoted his life to the country. He showed courage in both civilian and military life, was an outstanding commander of the Air Force, an original Minister of Defense, and a beloved president. Ezer was a legend in his own lifetime."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on April 25, 2005