"Over the past several months the world has watched with bated breath as Meriam Ibrahim, a beautiful young mother from Sudan, defied the prosecutors and persecutors in her country who had threatened her with whippings and death if she did not renounce her Christian faith. Meriam refused to give in to this state sponsored intimidation and even gave birth to her new daughter while shackled in a Sudanese prison. Mrs. Ibrahim is a true profile in courage and dignity and has inspired advocates for religious liberty and human rights around the world. Thankfully, she has now arrived in New Hampshire where she and her family will be able to live in security and peace. It is fitting that the Granite State will be Meriam's new home. Our well known motto in New Hampshire is "Live free or die", exemplifying our profound commitment to individual liberty and fundamental human rights. Meriam Ibrahim is a living embodiment of this creed and from her example we should all draw renewed determination to stand up for the rights and dignity of people in every corner of the world."
Remarks by Mrs. Annette Lantos; Lantos Prize Ceremony 2014
"Many years ago Tom and I took our two young daughters on a trip to Prague where, in the old Jewish Quarter, we learned of the Nazi plans to establish a “Museum of an Extinct Race.” I remember feeling the cold sense of dread and horror that one experiences in the face of evil. I clutched my two little girls’ hands a bit tighter that day, but not in fear, rather in determination!
Like you, President Peres, we were determined to answer this evil with good. You have answered it in countless ways, most importantly as one of the fathers of the unprecedented miracle that is modern day Israel and by your heroic defense of her highest aspirations and deepest values.
Through our work on behalf of human rights Tom and I gave our answer, but as you know Tom’s proudest rebuke to those who sought to wipe us off the face of the earth was his family. Our two wonderful daughters shared a vision. They were determined to rebuild the family that had been taken from us and to rekindle a light for the millions of murdered children. And they have kindled many beautiful lights who are now the light of my life. Surrounding me are my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We reaffirm today and forever that like Abraham of old we choose goodness over evil, light over darkness, and we choose life!"
Ignoring the Odds, Befriending Past Adversaries and Eternal Optimism: Three Lessons from Shimon Peres
Peres To Meet Obama, Receive Congressional Gold Medal And Lantos Human Rights Award
Peres to receive Lantos Award in addition to Congressional Gold Medal - The Jerusalem Post
Israeli President Shimon Peres to Be Named 2014 Lantos Prize Laureate
June 2014, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice announced today that the 2014 Lantos Human Rights Prize will be awarded to Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel. President Peres will receive the award for his unwavering dedication to the profound values of democracy and human rights that form the foundation of the State of Israel, as well as his pursuit of peace, justice and reconciliation in the Middle East. Former recipients of the Lantos Prize include former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Professor Elie Wiesel, Paul Rusesabagina, and Chen Guangcheng. The award ceremony will take in place in Washington, DC on June 26, 2014. It will be open to press and coverage is invited.
“The nominating committee’s decision to honor President Peres with this award was inspired by Shimon Peres’ over 60 years of extraordinary leadership as a builder of his nation, as a global statesman and as a tireless and inspired advocate for peace and justice in the Middle East”, said Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice. “President Peres stands out as a leader whose passion for his country and his people is equaled by his commitment to the cause of peace for all people of the region.”
Over the course of his career, President Peres has received numerous honors for his efforts in the Middle East, and the Lantos Human Rights Prize further recognizes his dedication to democracy and civil liberty. Peres was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994. He later went on to establish the Peres Center for Peace. Despite enormous tensions and challenges in the Middle East, Peres has been an eloquent advocate for the fundamental human rights of all peoples.
The Lantos Foundation established the Lantos Human Rights Prize in 2009 to honor and bring attention to heroes of the human rights movement. It is awarded annually to an individual or organization that best exemplifies the Foundation’s mission, namely to be a vital voice standing up for the values of decency, dignity, freedom, and justice in every corner of the world. The prize also serves to commemorate the late Congressman Tom Lantos, the only Holocaust survivor ever elected to the U.S. Congress and a prominent advocate for human rights during his nearly three decades as a U.S. Representative.
Additional details about the award ceremony honoring President Shimon Peres will be announced soon. For information call the Lantos Foundation at 603-226-3636. Press inquiries should be directed to 202.265.3000.
Statement from Lantos Foundation President on the Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre
“Tragically, 25 years ago the Chinese government used brute force to crush the 89 Movement but the spirit of the heroes of Tiananmen lives on. In the long run, the power of their moral and spiritual leadership will triumph over the brutality of the butchers and dictators. But the outcome of the struggle for democracy and human rights is not a foregone conclusion - it depends on the unwavering and outspoken support of the forces of freedom. It also requires leaders to see beyond economic and political considerations to the even more important values that make a decent society possible.”