Netanyahu and his son at the funeral
Photo: GPO
Obama extends condolences to Netanyahu
US president calls prime minister from Air Force One to offer condolences; says late Prof. Netanyahu left 'remarkable legacy of service to the Jewish people and deep friendship with the United States'
President Barack Obama called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to extend his condolences on the death of his father.
Prof. Benzion Netanyahu, passed away on Monday at the age of 102. Netanyahu senior was a renowned historian and a professor emeritus at Cornell University.
Relates stories:
Obama, who made the call from Air Force One as he flew home after a surprise visit to Afghanistan, said he expressed his and the first lady's "personal condolences" to the prime minister.
Obama noted Benzion Netanyahu's "remarkable legacy of service to the Jewish people and deep friendship with the United States."
Netanyahu thanked the American president on behalf of his family: "I appreciate this. He was a wonderful father and a great man. This is a huge loss for me.
"It doesn’t matter how long a life one leads, they are always too short. Even if you think you're ready, nothing prepares you for the loss of your parents."
Republican presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney also sent his condolences to Netanyahu: "This is a loss for all of Israel and for all who care about Israel," he said.
French President Nikolas Sarkozy sent a letter of condolence to the prime minister, saying: "Professor Netanyahu has left a priceless academic legacy especially with regards to his research on Spain's Jewry."
Yitzhak Benhorin, in Washington, and AFP contributed to this report
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