JERUSALEM - President Barack Obama says Shimon Peres showed that justice and hope are at the heart of the Zionist ideal.

Obama spoke at the Friday funeral of Shimon Peres, the longtime political leader and a founding father of Israel.

Obama and Peres enjoyed a friendly relationship and shared a mutual admiration.

Obama says Peres made sure the Jewish people had the armaments to secure their freedom and laid the foundation for the formidable armed forces that won Israel's wars. He says his statesmanship built an unbreakable bond with the United States and other countries.

Obama was the final speaker of the event. He and other leaders wore a Jewish skullcap in a sign of respect and reverence.