The 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, bid farewell to the world at the age of 100 this month. Although Carter became a controversial figure in Israel over the years due to his sharp criticism of its policy on the Palestinian issue, both his critics and admirers still recognize his decisive contribution to one of the most formative events in Middle Eastern history: the groundbreaking peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.
The leaders of both countries have rightly honored his memory, especially these days.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi sent condolences to President Carter’s family, the American people, and the current US president. In a brief eulogy, he described Carter as a great global leader, a symbol of human and diplomatic efforts, and a model of love, brotherhood, and a deep belief in peace and justice, whose path others around the world continue to follow. El-Sisi also referred to Carter’s role in achieving the peace agreement between Israel and Egypt, which, he claimed, is etched in the annals of history. With these words, el-Sisi expressed the importance Egypt still attributes to peace with Israel.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog published his own statement, recalling Carter’s commitment to peace between nations. He added, “The peace between Israel and Egypt, which he led, is considered a historic and groundbreaking diplomatic achievement that continues to serve as an anchor of stability in the Middle East and North Africa even decades later.”
It’s true that the Israeli–Egyptian peace remains “cold,” and its potential has yet to be fully realized even after more than four and a half decades. Nonetheless, children in both countries are exposed to the same iconic image in their textbooks: the signing of peace at the White House, attended by Carter, Begin, and Sadat.
Ninth-grade students in Egypt memorize the clauses of the peace agreement—the return of Sinai, the establishment of friendly relations (diplomatic, economic, and cultural), and negotiations for the establishment of a Palestinian autonomy. At the same time, sixth-grade students in Israel learn Prime Minister Begin’s words: “There are no eternal enemies. After all wars comes the inevitable—peace” (as cited in IMPACT-se research).
It’s to be hoped that this mirrored image in Egypt and Israel ensures the continued commemoration of Carter’s character and legacy among future generations.
The 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, bid farewell to the world at the age of 100 this month. Although Carter became a controversial figure in Israel over the years due to his sharp criticism of its policy on the Palestinian issue, both his critics and admirers still recognize his decisive contribution to one of the most formative events in Middle Eastern history: the groundbreaking peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.
The leaders of both countries have rightly honored his memory, especially these days.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi sent condolences to President Carter’s family, the American people, and the current US president. In a brief eulogy, he described Carter as a great global leader, a symbol of human and diplomatic efforts, and a model of love, brotherhood, and a deep belief in peace and justice, whose path others around the world continue to follow. El-Sisi also referred to Carter’s role in achieving the peace agreement between Israel and Egypt, which, he claimed, is etched in the annals of history. With these words, el-Sisi expressed the importance Egypt still attributes to peace with Israel.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog published his own statement, recalling Carter’s commitment to peace between nations. He added, “The peace between Israel and Egypt, which he led, is considered a historic and groundbreaking diplomatic achievement that continues to serve as an anchor of stability in the Middle East and North Africa even decades later.”
It’s true that the Israeli–Egyptian peace remains “cold,” and its potential has yet to be fully realized even after more than four and a half decades. Nonetheless, children in both countries are exposed to the same iconic image in their textbooks: the signing of peace at the White House, attended by Carter, Begin, and Sadat.
Ninth-grade students in Egypt memorize the clauses of the peace agreement—the return of Sinai, the establishment of friendly relations (diplomatic, economic, and cultural), and negotiations for the establishment of a Palestinian autonomy. At the same time, sixth-grade students in Israel learn Prime Minister Begin’s words: “There are no eternal enemies. After all wars comes the inevitable—peace” (as cited in IMPACT-se research).
It’s to be hoped that this mirrored image in Egypt and Israel ensures the continued commemoration of Carter’s character and legacy among future generations.