Encouragement from Anwar Sadat

“every human being is entitled to a happy family life
regardless of religious belief or nationality…”


Ladies and Gentlemen: On October 16, 1973, I called for an international conference to establish peace in the Middle East based on justice.

Many months in which peace could have been brought about have been wasted over differences of opinion, suspicions, lack of confidence, fruitless discussions and procedures. If we avoid our growing problems, we are simply wasting more valuable time.

Despite long years of feuding, strife and animosity, I believe that Israelis and Arabs can live in this part of the world with full security despite the psychological barriers between us. Seventy percent of our problem is simply due to suspicion, fear and distorted illusions we have had of each other.

We need a radical solution to adequately address and overturn that and to redirect us toward permanent peace. To achieve this, we are willing to accept all the international guarantees Israel envisage, because in return, Egypt shall receive the same guarantees.

Together we can avoid the shedding of another drop of blood on either side. We must use every possible means to save people from the horror, suffering and destruction of another war. We must be strong and brave to shoulder the burdens and responsibilities of a durable peace. And we must rise above obsolete theories of superiority for the sake of progress and happiness, for security and dignity and for the sake of the children for generations to come.

Therefore I open my heart to the entire world to help you understand my motivations and my objectives and to convince you that there are many Arabs who are serious advocates of justice and peace. We proceed from a sincere desire for peace which stems from a position of stability and power. Our call for peace is also based on United Nation’s resolutions, the expressed will of the international community and world public opinion.

Together we can end our belligerence with a commitment of all states in the region to uphold relationships with each other in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, particularly the principle concerning the nonuse of force and to resolve differences by peaceful means.

We are learning that missiles, warships and other weapons destroy what peace and security build and that face to face negotiations are the fastest and most successful method to make peace. So let us reach out our hands to each other in faith and sincerity.

Peace is much more than an endorsement of written lines. It is the duty of every citizen in this region whose right it is to live in peace. This is our commitment which is shared in the hearts and minds of millions of Egyptians.

So let us stand together with the courage and the boldness of heroes who are dedicated to a higher purpose. Let us stand together with the same daring and strength to build a huge monument for peace that will serve as a beacon for generations to come and a message of human cooperation. Let us follow Jerusalem’s example, the city of peace, and live together in a state of hospitality as a living embodiment of coexistence among the believers of three faiths. In so doing, let us introduce to the entire world a new age, a new beginning and a new life of prosperity and freedom.