George H.W. Bush
George H.W. BushReuters

The American Jewish Congress on Saturday expressed condolences over the death of President George H. W. Bush, who passed away on Friday at the age of 94.

“He was instrumental in bringing thousands of Jews to safety by helping them out of the Soviet Union, Ethiopia and Syria, and he made Soviet Jewry one of his signature issues at the UN. May President Bush’s dedication to public service be an example to all Americans and may his efforts to save Jews in lands where they were persecuted, continue inspiring the work of thousands of activists around the world,” it said in a statement.

Earlier on Saturday, President Reuven Rivlin eulogized Bush.

“We have lost an American hero, George HW Bush,” he said, “who fought in the killing fields of the Second World War, who knew to distinguish between good and evil and how to build strong regional coalitions against cruel tyrants. He led his country with skill and wisdom at the end of the Cold War and under his leadership our strategic relationship evolved into the strongest of alliances. The Jewish people will always remember his help in bringing the Jews of Ethiopia to Israel and his determination to ensure the Arab world recognize the right of the State of Israel to exist in peace and security.”

“Personally and on behalf of the people of Israel, my deepest condolences to President George W Bush, a true friend of Israel, to Jeb, Neil, Marvin and Doro and their families. May his memory be for a blessing,” added the president.

Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, also sent his condolences upon the passing of Bush.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of President George H.W. Bush. During his term as ambassador to the United Nations and throughout his distinguished and remarkable career, he was always a true friend to Israel and the Jewish people, taking a stand against PLO terrorism and proving instrumental in helping saving tens of thousands of Jews from the Former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. America lost a patriot and remarkable individual today. May he rest in peace," said Danon.

Prime Minister Netanyahu eulogized Bush as well on Saturday night.

"On my behalf and on behalf of the citizens of Israel, I send heartfelt condolences to the Bush family and to the American people over the passing of a great American patriot, President George Herbert Walker Bush,” he said.

"His responsible and wise leadership at the end of the Cold War ensured the expansion of democracies while maintaining world peace.”

"The people of Israel will always remember his commitment to the security of Israel, his important contribution to the liberation of Soviet Jewry and his efforts to promote peace in the Middle East at the Madrid Conference," added the prime minister.