UN chief sends get-well message to Peres

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent a get-well soon letter to former president Shimon Peres, wishing him a speedy recovery after he suffered a stroke last week.

In the personal note, Ban talked of the special connection he felt with Peres, who served as Israel’s ninth president from 2007-2014 — he was also prime minister for three brief stretches during the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s — Peres’s bureau said in a statement Tuesday.

“In this challenging hour, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, as I wish you strength and fortitude for a full recovery,” Ban wrote.

The 93-year-old Peres was hospitalized at the Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv last Tuesday. He has been under sedation since then, with his condition consistently described as serious but stable.

“I have been a steadfast admirer of your exceptional stamina and energy over the years and of your ability to maintain an active life into your tenth decade,” Ban continued. “In your dedicated service to the land and people of Israel, you remain a model of visionary statesmanship.

“I recall our encounters with great fondness and remain grateful for the wisdom and advice you have shared on those occasions. Your tireless work to bring peace between Israelis and Palestinians has been an inspiration for many people.”

Peres was reportedly still in stable condition after completing a CT scan Sunday morning, with doctors working to reduce his anesthesia and take him off a respirator.

“Following several medical tests conducted and after assessing the ninth president’s neurological condition, his medical team has decided to gradually reduce the respiratory support as well as the level of anesthesia currently being administered to President Shimon Peres,” a statement from his office said.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.