Israeli President Shimon Peres (L, front) and visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R, front) attend a welcoming ceremony at Israeli President's Residence in Jerusalem, on Feb. 25, 2014. Merkel met with Israeli President Shimon Peres, who awarded Merkel with the Presidential Medal of Distinction -- the highest civilian order for her unwavering commitment to Israel's security and the fight against anti-Semitism and racism in particular through education, here on Tuesday. Merkel arrived in Israel for a 24-hour visit on Monday evening with 16 ministers from her cabinet. (Xinhua/Li Rui)