Marching alongside the late Israeli leader’s son, Gov. Cuomo declared Sunday Shimon Peres Day and announced a new program to promote heritage tourism between New York and Israel.
“He had a profound effect on me,” Cuomo said of the former Israeli president and prime minister, who died last year. “When you were with him, you believed and felt you were in the presence of greatness.”
Cuomo made the remarks before marching in the Celebrate Israel parade along Fifth Ave. in Midtown.
“It’s clear that both Israel and the United States are fighting the same issue, which is terrorism,” Cuomo said. “We both believe in democracy. We both believe in liberty. We both believe in freedom. And the enemy is terrorism.”
The Israeli statesman’s son Chemi Peres was on hand to thank Cuomo for the honor — and for the governor’s controversial order for the state to cut ties with companies and groups that advocate a boycott of Israel.
“It represents the unbreakable bond between Israel and the United States,” the younger Peres said. “We both stand for the same values.”
Under the program launched Sunday, dubbed Global Path Through History, New York, Israel and El Al Airlines will advertise trips to both nation’s travelers.
New York destinations being promoted include Ellis Island, the Eldridge Street Museum and Synagogue and the Tenement Museum.
