Israelis are reacting with sadness to the passing of one of their country’s founding fathers.

Former Israeli president Shimon Peres died early today at the age of 93 after suffering a stroke two weeks ago.

His son Chemi offered a statement on behalf of the family.

“Today with deep sorrow, we bid farewell to our beloved father, the 9th president of Israel, Shimon Peres,” Chemi Peres read in a statement, “He was one of the founding fathers of the state of Israel and served our people even before we had a country of our own. He worked tirelessly for Israel, from the very first day of the state to the last day of his life.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Barack Obama and Prince Charles will be among the many world leaders who will attend the funeral of Shimon Peres in Jerusalem on Friday.

Trudeau says Peres was a man of peace and a “great friend of Canada” who made enormous contributions to the founding and building of Israel.