President Shimon Peres didn’t receive his President’s Medal of Freedom last month with other award recipients – he will have his own ceremony on Wednesday, June 13, at the White House, one that will end with special performance for about 140 guests.

As protocol requires, the president will bring special gifts for his host and wife: a letter from Chaim Weizmann urging U.S. President Harry Truman to recognize the State of Israel; a short letter signed by Truman, in which he recognized Israel’s first government; and a missive from David Ben-Gurion thanking Truman for recognizing Israel’s provisional government. First Lady Michelle Obama, in addition, will receive a special necklace made from “uniquely Israeli materials” and prepared by people with disabilities.

Of course, the veteran statesman won’t cross the ocean for just one evening, memorable as that evening may be, with a pretty eventful schedule before and after the festive event. He will land in New York on Sunday, grant some interviews and have some meetings.

On Monday, he’ll move on to Washington, D.C. and meet with top Pentagon officials. On Tuesday, he will take part alongside U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a special discussion hosted by the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings Institution. On Thursday, there will be more interviews and meetings with officials – as well as a special reception at the Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren’s house.

For more, go to Haaretz.com

I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?

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. I’ve offered a $36,000 matching gift as an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, and I hope you’ll take me up on my offer to double your gift.

Don't just read the Forward - invest in it. Will you support our work today?

— Joel Brown, Forward board chair

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$120 $180 $360 OTHER AMOUNT