Medal of Freedom

Itzhak Perlman performs at the White House during a dinner in honor of President Shimon Peres of Israel. June 13, 2012.

President Obama awards President Shimon Peres of Israel the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a dinner at the White House in the East Room. An ardent advocate for Israel's security and for peace, Shimon Peres was elected the ninth President of Israel in 2007. Through his life and work, he has strengthened the unbreakable bonds between Israel and the United States.