'Our hearts go out to the people of America' in Hurricane Sandy's wake, Peres tells Obama

In letter to his US counterpart, president expresses confidence in the country’s ability to recover from devastation

President Shimon Peres on Thursday sent a letter to US President Barack Obama expressing his sympathy on behalf on Israel with the people of the United States in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, the President’s Residence announced in a press release.

“From Jerusalem I am joined by the people of Israel in an expression of concern for the ravages caused by hurricane Sandy and the destruction it left in its wake,” Peres wrote. “Our hearts go out to the people of America and I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this superstorm.”

The president acknowledged that the rehabilitation process in the aftermath of the “devastating event” would constitute a “complex challenge,” but said that he nevertheless hoped and prayed “that the physical and emotional damage it has caused will soon be relegated to the past.

“I am sure that as in previous occasions when the people of America had to face challenges posed by nature or man, this time, too, you will prevail,” he said.

“We are looking with admiration upon the courage of the American people and its leaders in dealing with the present ordeal. Our hearts are with you.”