Jewish and Israeli leaders have paid tribute to US Senator Ted Kennedy, who died of brain cancer at the age of 77.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who is currently in the UK called Senator Kennedy an "American patriot" said that he was "a great friend of Israel".
Israeli President Shimon Peres expressed deep sorrow at the death of Senator Kennedy
He said: "Kennedy was a clear friend of Israel the whole way, and in every place that he could help us, he did help.
“He was a particularly respected leader with an interest in helping society.
“His death is a great loss for every thoughtful person in the world.“
His death is a great loss for every thoughtful person in the world. Shimon Peres
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman added his voice to the expressions of sympathy.
He said, "Kennedy was a great friend to Israel and the Jewish people. A protector of human rights and member of a prestigious family who stood by Israel's side in its most trying times in his many years as a member of the Senate."
