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.

Guidelines from Dr. Martin Luther King

“The time is always right to do right…
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere…
Justice too long delayed is justice denied…”

Ladies and Gentlemen: We have experienced grave disappointment with the so-called ‘moderates’ who are usually much more concerned about maintaining order (and the status quo) than they are about justice.

I will be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has a legal and a moral responsibility to do so. Conversely one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. Any law that uplifts human personality is likely to be just, while any law that degrades human personality is likely to be unjust.

Mindful of the difficulties that we have endured, it is still crucial to be prepared and that means conducting a series of workshops on civil disobedience that are accessible to each and every community affected by injustice.

More and more I see people of ill will who use time, technology, resources and politics more effectively than people of goodwill. Therefore, each of us has to examine ourselves and take responsibility for our apathy and our silence until prejudice and hate are properly contained and civilized. We understand that there are many pent up resentments and latent frustrations, but we must allow them to be released; healthy discontent can be channeled into creative outlets, which can put an end to misunderstandings that trigger the cycles of violence.

Those of us involved in civil disobedience are merely bringing to the surface the hidden tension that is already present. Injustice must be exposed to allow the natural medicines of air and light to bring healing. The light of human conscience and the air of an informed nation are necessary before injustice can be cured.

There are basically four steps in a non-violent campaign: 1) collection of relevant facts, 2) reasonable negotiation, 3) self purification and only then 4) direct acts of civil disobedience.

The first goal is to open the doors for productive dialogue. We know through painful experience that freedom is rarely given by the oppressor voluntarily. Usually it must be demanded by those oppressed through direct actions which are carefully timed and organized to maximize the economic effects on the authorities. Acts of civil disobedience dramatize the issues so that they can be aired and addressed. Plus they expose tension that is necessary for our growth. Together these put pressure on the authorities for the need to change.

It is helpful to keep in mind that tension is an important part of the constructive transition from an obnoxious condition to a much more positive and peaceful situation in which everyone will respect the dignity and worth of human expression.

Let us hope that the dark clouds of prejudice will soon pass away and the thick fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear drenched community. May we find in the near future that the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will come out, and shine over our great nation with sparkling beauty.