Professor Ephraim Katzir, the fourth president of the State of Israel and one of its greatest scientists, died on Saturday night (May 30) at the age of 93. A world-renowned biochemist and physicist, Prof. Katzir served as Israel's president from 1973 to 1978.

“He was an outstanding man, a world famous scientist who made an extraordinary contribution to the security of the State of Israel,” President Shimon Peres said of Katzir following his passing.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in his statement that Katzir showed his “commitment to the State of Israel in everything he did,” and praised him as a “pioneer” in his academic fields.