New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will head to Israel to attend the funeral of former Israeli president and Nobel peace prize winner, Shimon Peres in Jerusalem.

The Democratic governor plans to leave New York on Thursday. Cuomo noted that his state is home to more than 1.7 million Jews and says New York has a "special relationship" with Israel.

He will join a list of several dignitaries at Friday's funeral for Peres, one that includes former President Bill Clinton, President Barack Obama, Britain's Prince Charles and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

Cuomo says he will honor Peres as a friend to all New Yorkers and to "all defenders of peace across the world."

Cuomo said in a statement, that, "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former President and Prime Minister of Israel Shimon Peres." "He was not only a great leader for his country, but one of the most profound statesmen our world has ever known."

Mr Obama said in a White House statement, that, "There are few people who we share this world with who change the course of human history, not just through their role in human events, but because they expand our moral imagination and force us to expect more of ourselves. My friend Shimon was one of those people."

Also Read: Obama to attend Shimon Peres funeral in Jerusalem!

Nandini