Peres Takes Dramatic Turn for Worse, Family Called to Bedside

The condition of former president Shimon Peres took a dramatic turn for the worse on Tuesday, and family members were called to his bedside as hope for his recovery dwindled.

The 93-year-old Peres suffered severe organ failure in the morning and was described as being in terminal condition at Sheba Medical Center.

Peres continued to be sedated, but was breathing on his own.
His son-in-law and deputy director-general of the hospital treating Peres, Prof. Rafi Walden, told reporters “his condition is extremely serious.”
There had been initial optimism about chances for recovery after the stroke last week, as Peres was able to identify people and responded by grasping their hands. However, as his condition deteriorated markedly and doctors ascertained irreversible neurological damage, they urged those close to him to come and say their last goodbyes.

Interior Minister Rabbi Aryeh Deri and Kosel Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch visited Peres’ hospital room and prayed for his recovery.

“We continue to pray and hope, and along with this, we have heard of his serious condition,” Rabbi Deri said. “As someone who’s known Shimon for 30 years now, it’s difficult to see him quiet. We are used to seeing him energized. We wish him and the family good news.”