President Shimon Peres expressed concern on Monday evening over mounting
violence at all levels of Israeli society.
Speaking at Hebrew University,
the president singled out 26 outstanding members of the Israel Police for
recognition.
Referring to recent incidents of violence on the sports
field, Peres said that violence was not confined to sport alone, but could be
seen at all levels of society. He listed as examples domestic violence, road
rage, violence in schools and most recently violence on the soccer field after
the game was over. Violence must be stemmed at its root, and this is the task of
the police, said Peres, adding that it was the duty of the civilian population
to do all that could to aid the police in eliminating violence, because in the
final analysis it is the police who protect the public.
Peres
characterized the police as the crucial factor in the struggle against violence
and voiced his appreciation for all that the police have done to maintain law
and order.
Turning to the men and women in blue who had been cited for
exceptional conduct in the line of duty, Peres said to them: “You are the best
of the best, and proof of the quality and standards that can be found in the
ranks of our police force.”
Peres praised their professionalism, their
devotion to their jobs and the manner in which they uphold the law.