Reports of Shimon Peres’ Death Are Greatly Exaggerated

Image by Getty Images
Retired Israeli president Shimon Peres says he’s still alive and kicking.
False reports flew around on social media Monday that he had died, so he took to Facebook to reassure the public.
“I wish to thank the citizens of Israel for the support, concern and interest, and wish to clarify that the rumors are false. I’m continuing with my daily schedule as usual to do whatever I can to assist The State of Israel and its citizens,” he said in a post.
Peres is 92. He retired as president of Israel in 2014 after a more than half a century in public life.
Rumors about Peres’ supposed death were first found on Whatsapp groups, and snowballed from there.
It is believed that the death of someone else named Shimon Peres may have sparked the rumors.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
