By Israel News Agency Staff
Jerusalem, Israel — March 17, 2016 … Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this morning, issued the following statement on the passing of former Mossad Director Meir Dagan:
“I would like to express deep sadness on the passing of Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Meir Dagan. Meir was a daring fighter and commander who greatly contributed to the security of the state in Israel’s wars, at the [National Security Council] Counter-Terrorism Bureau and as Director of the Mossad.”
“The photograph in which his grandfather is being humiliated by Nazi soldiers shortly before he was murdered in the Holocaust was always before his eyes. Meir was determined to ensure that the Jewish People would never be helpless and defenseless again and to this end he dedicated his life to building up the strength of the State of Israel.”
Netanyahu concluded: “In the eight years in which he served as Director of the Mossad, he led the organization to daring and pioneering operations. A great soldier has passed away; may his memory be blessed.”
Speaking at the Tel Aviv rally for Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day in April 2010, Mr. Dagan’s voice broke with emotion as he linked his personal connection to the Holocaust with his lifelong mission of trying to safeguard Israel.
“During all the years of my service,” he said, “I carried with me from place to place the photograph of my grandfather taken a moment before he was murdered by the Nazis. I swore that that would never happen again. I hope and believe that I have done everything in my power to keep that promise.”