Two Women Of Peace

Why why. Why. Why. Why. Why. Funding for two women of peace is made possible in part by a generous grant from the Jacob and Hilda Blaustein foundation incorporated in Maryland Public Television in cooperation with the Brody Public Policy Forum. And the University of Maryland School of Public Affairs presents. To women of peace. A conversation with layer of bean and Dr. Hans a doctor moderated by Georgie and Geier. No from the University of Maryland. Here is Professor Douglass special.

Too often history seems shaped by the inexorable march of events beyond anyone's control. But sometimes history has a human face and the course of history is redirected by the wisdom the honesty and yes the courage of individual leaders Itzhak Rabin assassinated prime minister of Israel and Anwar Sadat assassinated president of Egypt were two such leaders that they and their families paid the ultimate sacrifice testifies to their devotion to their countries and to the cause of peace. Our two distinguished guests Les Rabin and John Sadat stood with their husbands through years of nation building war and uncertain peace. They saw times of unparalleled success and times of tragic loss. Georgann Geir a syndicated

columnist for the Universal Press will moderate these two women a piece by their deeds and their eloquence. Carry on the legacy of their husbands for generations their countries were bitter enemies ancient land steeped in a tradition of conflict between Arabs and Israelis. The wars of their homelands have left indelible scars. But from these countries of the Middle East come to extraordinary women whose husbands led their countries to a historic peace. Each is a teacher and a mother each to become a defender of justice advocate for education. And proponent of women's rights. Sadly there are also widows in a twist of irony. They are

wives of the champions of peace. In Israel in Egypt. And then they love to brutal terrorism. We have slush Berg was born in Konigsberg Germany in one thousand twenty eight. When Leah was five years old adult Hitler was elected chancellor of Germany. Her parents sensing peril for the Jews immediately move the family to Palestine. Where was 15 when she noticed a strikingly handsome young man in an ice cream parlor in Tel Aviv. A modern King David in her eyes. The young Robin was a leader in the power a Defense League that protected Jewish residents in Palestine and Yitzhak Rabin were married in Tel Aviv in 1948. The year the state of Israel gained its independence. They have

put aside her professions English teachers and the. Herself to family life charitable work and a commitment to the arts. The role of supportive wife was power. As you became internationally known as a brilliant general in the Israeli army. Eventually meeting Israel to a stunning victory in the 1967 Six-Day War. Being moved from military life to political career. Serving as ambassador to the United States defense minister and twice prime minister of Israel always a courageous visionary of peace. He signed the first accord between Israel and the PLO in 1993 as he rose from the peace table. He. Well leader Yasser Arafat shook hands. Historic first between the head of the PLO and the prime minister of Israel. 1094 Rabin was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize along with

Arafat and Shimon Peres. Less than a year later in Jerusalem. Thousands gathered for a peace rally. That ended in tragedy before his wife's eyes. It's like Rabin was brutally assassinated. An Israeli militant. Left the Israelis in complete shock. The promise of peace once again uncertain for the southwest across the border. Another woman continues the path of peace charted by her equally courageous husband. Johansson was born to an Egyptian father and an English mother. She likely or Rabin met her future husband when she was just 15 years old. One year later she and Anwar Sadat were married. She and her husband shared a vision of a peaceful Middle East.

As her husband advanced her military leader the president of Egypt. Mrs. Sadat became both politically and socially active. After the 1967 Israeli Egyptian war. She organized the volunteer contingent to treat wounded soldiers on the front. She established a rehabilitation center for the disabled. And a school for handicapped children. That it caters to education and the rights of Arab women. She served as a role model by obtaining a master's degree while first lady of Egypt after Anwar Sadat's peacemaking visit to Jerusalem came Camp David. She was a firm supporter throughout this historic and happy time the Accord signed at Camp David led to peace between Egypt and Israel and to a Nobel Prize for Saddam and Menachem Begin. It was in October one thousand eighty one together at a parade

celebrating the anniversary of the Egyptian recovery of the Suez east bank. Johansson witnessed the unthinkable at the hands of an Egyptian militant Anwar Sadat was tragically murdered. His life sacrificed to his being. Peace. In the. Heroic lives tragic deaths the Powells are many between Anwar Sadat and their greatest personal legacy ongoing efforts for peace. Their wives Johnson and Leah Rabin continue their work to women of peace. And now our moderator Georgann Geir. Both of you are women of great passions. What's this about you tell me many years ago that one of the reasons you married your husband was just out of prison for trying to overthrow him 100 was because he was a revolutionary and

then it happened one night he overthrew a king in the early 50s. You wrote at the time or later. I could not take my eyes off nor hear enough of his words. His dream for Egypt had come true in yours as well. What kind of activities are you pursuing these days to continue those early passions and the legacy of your husband and to fulfill your own dreams as well. Well I am happy that we had the opportunity to serve our country. I'm very proud that my husband has the opportunity to start the peace in the Middle East. And actually I'm continuing his work for peace. I'm very proud to carry on his mission for peace and I'm traveling now everywhere in Europe in the United States. Talking and giving speeches about the peace about what my husband has done about

what what he paid his life for. And I'm keeping my life full and active as much as I can because I believe that what he has done was the best thing. I would like to. This is her being although you came from an upper class family and you didn't have to suffer during the 1948 war you actually joined the Palmach which your husband was very involved in the Defense League. You risked your life many times and you didn't have to do that. Why did you do that and what kinds of activities are you pursuing these days to fulfill those early passions. If it's not accurate if I didn't have to do it because there wasn't any good story service for the Jewish National Board for me.

She was looking at the government because there was not yet the state the independent states but say there wasn't a story service of every high school graduate service for a key stron year a sow of the country and there were several options how to plan. I choose this option. Expose. I already at that time was following in the footsteps of my house. Then he was not my husband yet but. It was very obvious for me that if I have to serve the country somehow or other then I would follow His way and I'll go and serve in the Panama which was mobilize the forces of the Israeli husband and to hug and not everybody was in the Haagen not defending Israel but we were the mobilized force and part of that great time of the right part of the time

we were underground because the British mind that didn't permit this will live or since so it was in no way saints or if you are serving your own you have serving the purpose of defending your country when it is going to be attacked. Which eventually twirls of course from the day of the United Nations vote to appoint the independents or upon the right of Israel to have an independent state we were immediately attacked by local citizens. Then after the declaration of Israel in May 14 of May nine thousand nine hundred forty eight. The morning after tiny little week Israel was invaded by seven nations. If it wasn't for the small and humble forces of the Haagen law

plus a few other forces that they exist that some came back from the Shah me some were mobilized from the hog and anyway it was a very very humble small on our island sufficiently armed military force that had to with then the challenge games of defending this newborn state against 7 Arab nations that invaded Israel. On the morning of the 15th of May nineteen hundred forty eight. So we think that everybody who had been trained to be there for the defense of Israel had been doing the right thing with the right vision. If when the day comes that we should be attacked. Then there would be at least a small Nokomis of the Israeli army to defend our rights and defend a. What was your

question. What are you doing what are you doing today to fulfill. Those early passions and the legacy of your husband and your own your own passions for change. Well before we entered this stage I see I was talking to my friend Johnson. And I mentioned to her and this is actually in the nature of the whole problem. When the great hero of peace President Anwar Sadat was unfortunately SS in need that there was a direct continuation forno off these nation all the way. He wanted to be. President will bark to or face Tookie may be a while to

grow into the big shoes of President Anwar Sadat. But there was no question of a contradicting his vision or destroying what he wanted to do. Whereas when my husband was murdered in a new government was elected in Israel this government is totally in contradiction with my husband's vision was my husband's way. It is no secret that they keep saying they said and they keep saying that he betrayed his people. By structuring the peace process that all she will was the chair of and state that it's a great danger to make peace and so on and so forth.

So what I am. What I feel my mission is to try and explain what really was in the nature. Of this handshake was about the idea was that after one hundred years of an ongoing conflict and this was of course after we had made peace with Egypt and this peace is by now 20 years old and each holding all the rights it says the spike rises is in the Middle East peace. Had that had been signed is there and is lasting. And doesn't have problems at all. And when my husband was shaking the hand of Yasser Arafat what he had in mind. What they both had in mind at that point was their record CDH these was the

symbol of. Now that time has come for reform CAA Sion for understanding that this. War is she'll tell no more bloodshed no no more war and no more bloodshed. This is a phrase that the president are Anwar Sadat had used when he came to Jerusalem. And I think what has been said enough of tears and bloodshed anyway. The time has come to read on side and frequency radiation means stress and response elation means respect and frequency lation means that all people ration it. They conciliation means many saints that if you didn't do them on TV at that moment you shake hands with the one who had been your enemy. But from now on he is not your enemy anymore

and you too good there. Work hard very hard to bring about the structure of the peace process. And this is how I say that the train of peace left Washington on the surgeons of September 993 and started rolling up the or on the way on the way to peace and it was all ready. Peace was already materializing anything seem possible in the whole Middle East was charged with the New Hope was a new joy. Here we are on our way finally. So of all problems we didn't mention that so I think we're saying May he rest in peace. Has joined in as well. So it seemed like a whole new Middle East is shaping in front of our eyes. And

then when my husband was murdered Unfortunately we it was like in movies or in television you say cut. And the scene stopped and the train stop was halted and it's for now for the past three years. We see. We see this peace process faltering and thin and think it is my mission and many many other people who believed in what my husband and his friends wanted to work on. It's our mission to explain and advocate the way that there is no alternative to the peace. And I'd like to emphasize one

more point. We offered Gates the Palestinian from the point of from a standpoint of strength. We have proven our strengths. We don't have to be afraid. We have proven time and again that Israel is indestructible on the back to you. And I think President Anwar Sadat was really defers to realize if you cannot beat them you better join them. And that that was. Yes yes he was it was the man who wants to let me. And that was the idea that if we are strong enough then now the time has come to offer peace to our neighbors and not be afraid of peace. There is nothing to be afraid to let me build on that Mrs. Reagan by asking this this many historians say that both of your husbands essentially

changed from if you will hawks in the beginning they were both great military men to start with you and great politician Statesman did and did your President Sadat really change. Did he really change his position did he go from being a hawk to a doubt in this peace process and thats the UN go to bed. That would be good if you cannot change the head of these who we never had we never did. Change the reality. Therefore you can never win in progress. Al Gore said that when he started during the funeral of the nuts or when he took over and there was the American ambassador the presenting the United States in the funeral of of the Nasir. He told him I'm ready for peace that was in 1970. But he didn't receive any response or any of it. So that was I mean he on the

20th of the war when we started the war with the Israelis in 1973 and he gave a speech in the in the Assembly or in the parliament in Egypt and he said and be ready to meet peace with Israel. He doesn't want to wage war because he wanted to I mean two he wanted only to restore his land and to restore the confidence in his troops and to make peace he wanted to put an end to the bloodshed. He wanted to put an end for I mean using sons and no one is event getting from the ghetto to understand specially in the 1973 that he will never I mean. Egypt will never accuse Is it are you and Israel will never occupy. Gee then why are we going through wars every few years and our

financial situation is that they are unique and we are losing sons and wife for he thought that let us put an end to this vicious circle. And that's why he wanted to make beats I'm sure. First in 1971 if you recall a residential villa in Alexandria and you were just a young very young woman in a beautiful flower dress and I looked up that interview today and we talked about peace that you talked very eloquently Then about it. Yes that was one tone of us we believe does really I mean if unwatched said that didn't believe in peace he could stay in his position as president of Egypt and give slogans only slogans. I mean against Israel against the occupation against everything. But he was a Druid. He was not only for two he believed in peace as a mission

and he wanted to do with. And he paved the way for other supporters. And do you feel personally that those policies and going back to work necessary being with saying that those policies are continued in Egypt today. Yes because there's at the mo but you believe be sort of soup and he is continuing it. And whenever there is something between the two is that you did that again and the police union would bring them to Egypt with the guy who can slide between and he's doing his best to. And this is her being after all these. Well I think in so many years from your husband but a policing this what is that thing. You may also want to know that it's talk never was a man of war. He really was the main if it was the vision of peace. You only realize that Israel has to be strong because of the attempt to destroy them. And after the Six Day War

when the victory was really enormous and this was the time that we occupied Sinai and occupied the West Bank and the occupied the Golan Heights and then my husband said to his prime minister Mr. BALL I now want to go to Washington and send Ambassador and Mr. BALL almost fell off the chair and said You talk having the soldier the commander of the army you want to go to Washington what are you going to do there. Said I want to start rolling in the weeds of peace because we now have had this enormous victory. This gives us a very wonderful start for making peace. Let me go. And he went and its Missy said that said In 1970 there was already a first peace plan a structure by Mr Najar Inc.

Any talk of having very advocate that this this plan and very much wanted to talk and bring it bring it forward. But there was gold every year the prime minister of Israel who wouldn't have. An me thing didn't want to hear about peace and he talk was really devastated. And I remember he wrote yelled at the those days and says we need now this strong visionary leadership like a Mr. Ben. Nevertheless I remember that Johnson told me personally when I met her after the president had been assassinated. When the president was going to Jerusalem and this was big excitement for the whole world for us certainly full Dame certainly. And she told me that when they said goodbye to him and they were of course also maybe ill if you

wore it after all this was a very daring trip he's going to Jerusalem and update same plac new Iraqi list that the president of Egypt is coming to Jerusalem. And I remember her telling me that when she said goodbye to him she said and while Brummy Smee one thing you have to be very nice to me says Golda Meir. And you know India she told an old so why you would be that she seemed she was expecting him early and I obeyed. Why were you late. Why you when you want me to. But that's just about me she's good to me or I can also tell this story that about her sturdiness and her 0 0 0 opposing actually two people who yes the story was that she and Mr. Rogers they are secretary of state were

visiting in Jerusalem the West and ward and Mr. Rogers is standing in front of the war and praying in front of the board I think these goals come to make that goal going to make you with a little bit more would be a little bit more flexible and force for the peace for the peace and this is going to meet your stance there and say it's nice there Roger you are talking to the wall. I. And I have by chance here Mrs. Rubin I have the words that your husband said according to his biographers when President came down the stair stairs and the visit to Jerusalem 1077. And he was being quoted is saying these are wonderful words it was a uniquely electric moment for us all a moment etched in

memory forever the kind of moment used to etch a generation our emotion in a way I had not thought possible. I felt I was caught up in a dream but those dreams of that was beautiful words then became to be prima missions you and I had spoken about them and that he's seen after the trip to Jerusalem. You seem to know that something terrible was going to happen. You wrote that increasingly on where was refusing advice from anyone spending more and more time alone and did both of your husbands have cream and sions of their deaths. Yes my husband had to mend that. Before he was a sissy needed one month. We used to walk one hour in the garden every day and he told me the first time when we would walking Jehanne I feel that I'm very happy I have accomplished something which I was dying to do which is just opening the door for

peace. And I feel that when I meet with God very soon I am very happy and satisfied with what I have done. I was a little bit shocked. What is this. I told him I was shocked and I didn't say anything at the first sign. After another 10 days he repeated again. I feel happy that I am going to meet God and that he gave me this opportunity to make peace and to pave the way for others to follow. I said and what God never told anyone. When is he going to meet him. But and I was I mean I was very surprised. This is not his way. You know he never said I am going to meet God. Something never happened. The third time you told me again why you would walking. I am happy I'm looking forward just to the store sign I will have peace and I hope that you will live and will all of us

will live in peace. I didn't I didn't really see anything because I found it he said. What happened to my husband became better known. I mean no he was not. And after that maybe 10 deeds. It was a sin. That was something very hard and he told my children also as if you was I mean preparing a sword something you told my children only once but it seems he has been me three times you know of that. Finally in a few minutes we have left before we're going to take questions from the audience I'd like to ask you both. We see so much conflict and violence still around us today from Kosovo to American high schools. Do you have any final special words to the world regarding these kinds of violence before we go to questions from your audience. But I believe that at two very different levels that cannot be put together in one and in into one book

since very different. It's a stories what happened in Mosul will and what happened in the high school and each have to be addressed or tackled in a different way. But most of all I would like to say that when we sought that Duroc and really learned the lesson of the two horrible world wars and that the fire was extinguished distinct as extinguished for ever we still see explosions and it's but they clearly in this area. It was love yeah. There is a however things are very different today than they were during World War 2 because

they News travel fast and travel straight into our living rooms and we are all are in a very different way involved in what really happens and I don't think we support these sites of more agony of more suffering of morals of life of more refugees of suffer of its insufferable conditions of refugee aims so I think we are witnessing something totally different than what happened in World War 2. To day there are the figures that Europe has put together like NATO back to European unity that are there to defend the weak against its And a bit of a dictatorship who and no dictatorship to day can get away with this. With this kind of action.

So there there is. We saw the day of action to Saddam Hussein. We see now the reaction to Mr. Milosevic. The time for a free hand. Of just letting loose on innocent people is gone and you don't get a dictator is not getting your way was it anymore. There is an answer to it. There are the strong mobilize powers to defend this the weak against the strong to defend their help less if they're defenseless against at them to destroy their homes to kill them to murder them. We are living in a diff in a different altogether. Time unfortunately we have to see all these sites but we do hope that before long there will be there has to be a solution when it comes to the killing in high school. This

is a horror in she. I think that I don't have the answer. I really don't have the answer. We're all I think still in a state of shock to see something like this happening in. Me middle class society in the United States and there are more questions than answers to a horror like that. I certainly don't have the answer. I know it will bother the people of the United States for a long time and I'd like to say that unfortunately I cannot say that we don't have violence in our schools. We don't that we don't have crime in ours will somehow. It is the scene of the day. The generation may be that it's television this media that helps us be involved and be informed

when Harvin Singhs happen. That same television has a negative influence on young people when it brings up too much violence and when you never refrains never saying this about what is it doing to young souls young people when violent movies and violent scenes are shown all the time. We have to go quickly to the questions on the form or to have a few words. And that's something I would say briefly that we have to thank the United States and the need for what they are doing and I hope it would stop soon and that if you GI's would go back to that whom. And that will be no more dictated after that about the school. I would blame the parents the parents should give more time to the children and listen to them and watch them if they find something not normal they have to contact the school and go to the teachers and talk to them. Also the responsibility of the school is

also which is the Consulate of the school where are the teachers when they saw the kids are doing this. The media as Mrs. Arabin said did movies. I mean horrible movies and this age of the boys they are imitating what they see on TV I wish it is too much democracy or too much freedom here in the United States that they are abusing it by putting these kind of terrible movies on the TV for our children to watch. The other thing is the equipment or the tommy guns or the whatever the rifles which they buy it is as easy as you go through this if we and buy something which is terrible old so it shouldn't be in the hands of the young. And here now we're going to go to the floor for questions. Are they are prescreened because this is such a large audience tonight. My name is Jerome Siegel and my question is this. Achieving long term

peace between Israel and her neighbors and the Palestinians will be far more likely if the next generation of young people has an understanding of the moral complexity of the conflict and at least to some degree an empathetic understanding of how the conflict is seen by the other side. First the doctor said if you are able to design the curriculum for Israeli students what is it that you would most like them to learn or understand about the Palestinian and Arab experience and history and then analogously that Mrs. Rabin if you were able to design the curriculum where Arab and Palestinian students. What is it that you would most like them to learn and understand about the Jewish and Israeli experience. In my opinion I would like the people who understand the Palestinians and the Arabs and to understand that cultures to get to exchange visits to bring them to a new about each other to

have dialogue with each other and we started this with the side that shared we send a group of students to Israel and to Jordan. They met with the students and they negotiated the problem and they in a very I mean very happy and they need their lation ship and they made friends there. I wish the leader would do the same and I would love to exchange visits between these students professors old sot to come to Egypt and to go to Israel and to go to Jordan and the police see exchanging visit and talking face to face and negotiating is the best thing to know about. Of course they have to know about the history of the Arabs and the hit they cultured and their heritage their rich heritage we have and this will bring them together and the media also have to play a role in this. I mean in this talking about the stories about what peace made

between Egypt and Israel between the families between people this is very important and the rest for the government to just tell us briefly Sweden. Would grin and I would laugh and say that the nature of Grease with e.g. and piece was about its being in use of is actually very different because when we all are part of the Sinai Sinai is that there is or and to return the desert was maybe easier for the Israelis then compromise on the West about which there are a part in our society that believe that this far though that the land it was promised to us by gold in that this is basically our

land and so on and so forth. But I would say if we want to live in peace in our area. And I don't know why you mention the next generation. I think this generation has to realize we don't want to have our freedom our independence on the expense of on of other people's freedom and and independence in our Bible it says don't do to your neighbor what you don't like to be done to you. This is one of our a basic morals of our Jewish tradition and I believe that basically we don't want to be the occupants of other people's lives and territories and if we want to live in peace there is only one answer. We we have to return. We have to compromise on that land in order to be able to live with peace with them. They claimed their land it was occupied in war that's true. They are back.

Yes that's true but. After of war you know when you want to make peace you compromise on what you have occupied in war and this is exactly what we expect. What we need to do is to compromise and then and have peace with our neighbors and soul on that. Years old conflict. So it's not for the next generation we can't wait that long. We need to make it now here and now and not wait for another generation and the next question. FACE. Yes my name is Mordecai Schreiber. I'd like to direct my question to both Mrs. Robin and to Dr. Sadat. What if anything can American Jewelry do to strengthen the peace between Egypt and Israel. We have the strong peace between Egypt and Israel we would at the first start of peace and without peace between Egypt and

Israel my friend Mrs. Arabin and me will not be sitting together in front of you. Well actually two you said who will help the American dramatic win what can we do. Your you can go to Israel and convince the leaders there about the peace and this is will be will be for the better man. Will be for the betterment of the Israeli people. You can help that our organization in Israel the old soup for peace. You can help these organizations to bring the Arabs and the Israelis together and as I said to convince the leaders there because there is a movement in the in Israel which Prime Minister Rabin started and went a long way with it. And there are people still for peace in Israel. You have to convince the other side in Israel and help the

organizations which are bringing their Arabs and Israelis to bear. I think Ryan can I think it's I think I understand what you mean to strengthen the peace between Egypt and Israel. This is just said that just said it is very strong and doesn't really need to be. Thanks and I absolutely can say and I sure feel that it is strong. It has never falter even when there were a crisis of all kinds when for instance Israel invaded Lebanon. We were watching what is the how is Egypt going to react. But this internationally signed peace was holding for now by now 20 years and it's still holding. However it is maybe not the kind of peace that we expected. We wanted more

exchange of culture of Commerce off to raise. We have to accept that we have the these are two different cultures. If this is how the Egyptian people feel they want it when it's well it's OK with us. It's long it's there it's nice as long as this we cease being here there there peace is no war it is their contrary of war. And my husband was the one who used to say the call of this peace is much better than the hottest war so we just appreciate this the situation that yes we signed peace yes this peace is there. What ever nature it takes it is taking. I don't I don't think it will

change very much. This is the nature of the Egyptian people and this is the way they want it then we will we have respect and honor it. And would you. Thank you Mr. Bennett. Something or place will be the place when the peace between the is at ease and the Palestinians would be finished. That would make old sued the peace between Egypt and is it even much stronger and much warmer. I see and the thing is that all the Arabs have to make peace with Israel and Israel has to make peace with that. So what are you asking us because our time is coming so quickly to an end for two questioners to each give your question or two women to answer them together. But it's my name is Jane barber. This is been an extraordinary example of incredible harmony and chemistry between our two honorable women

and my question is to both of you could be improved. An incredible relationship between Egypt and Israel served as a model in process for other conflicts in the world today. We have the other. Thank you. We have another question. Sadly Miss Lee or Maury Ellen and one of the lucky people who lives in Berkshire in 1979 when President Anwar Sadat and Prime Minister Begin when down the street in a motorcade and we all cheered in my question to you both is do you think that martyr ology is a factor in Middle East politics. Have the murders of your husband brought energy which is positive or despair which is negative to those striving for a just peace between Palestinians and Jews in the Middle East. So two questions together one the whole question of martyr ology and

the first on the what was it. Yeah I mean can it be as I'm not too I've still thought oh yes we had better about that. We have peace as my friend said that nothing since 20 years happened between Egypt and is it eight and we had a model that is yes we are and we are watching and waiting for the complete peace to prevail in order to add up these with that I had so that we all of us will live in that that question was about the method the art of the martyr ology of the Marne her syndrome in the Middle East. Actually killing innocent people is not a characteristic of personal or political or Egyptian or Israeli I bet. And the murderers who wanted to stop the peace they will never stop it. The peace is continuing in spite of killing so that ended up being the

peace is continuing at will and it will never ever stop. But I was like a head. President Sadat and Prime Minster of being not been murdered. We would have a baby by now seen a totally different scene in the Middle East and we have been all wrong. We would have already seen almost the completion of the cycle of peace in the Middle East because what my husband's land really was it's once all slow will be on its way. He was hoping to start a dialogue with Syria and not until we solve our problem with Syria. Will we really be able to lay down our swords once and forever.

So we need to do that. And have you not been murdered. I'm quite sure we would have seen a totally different scene by now I would like to say had President Sadat not been murdered. I ma I assure you that the nature of our relationship might have very much been a different one because leaders do SIT tones of relation. Do SIT tones all interpretation of OK we made me and then what is the interpretation of in what nature has this and I think leadership here is playing a very important role. But again I come back to the fact that me is he is he and no war. And this is what counts more than anything else to this nature

or another nature and we accept it. However I think the loss of those two leaders and now their loss of being sane is terrible. Three wonderful people we have lost in the area and that this may end that is maybe one too many that we really had to to to move in. We can only hope that. We should see the train of peace soon very soon with sling and if we're talking stop turning in the right direction. As I said I was quoted. There are no return ticket from the train. It's thought but we should go on and we arrive at the final station and there will be peace.

It will be we have time for one more question and will have to be very brief in our answers unfortunately. At least I know this question is from Phyllis lessoned who couldn't be here tonight. I am her daughter Lisa. My mother's question is do you know each other well and since you are recognized for your interest in children and in medical programs do you ever compare notes with each other or consider a joint venture between your countries to promote closer time. It just. It would be the most we are deed friends. We are both have so many things in common as you see and we are working for peace and trying to see the peace in our lifetimes which will reveal the whole Middle East. Whenever we meet we we I mean you have so many things in common our grand children our children our I mean our future. The

legacy of our husbands which we are very proud of both of us and admired Mrs. Arabin for her strength for her work but everything good. And I'm very happy to see her from time to time from it. And what did I say in a second. But I can say that I remember the day when Madame said that. And myself we're heading our missions at the Women's Conference in Mexico and this was before peace and we could not meet and we could not shake it. So now when we look back on how many years since 75 when he won 25 almost 25. You don't you're five

years almost 25 years. We can come with a very subtle spec story from Susan that the Middle East has gone a long way. Yeah and that we are sitting here together as friends and there is absolutely no question about that. So let's let it be that one day on this stage to be a representative of Israel in Syria and that would be a wonderful thing. Thank you thank you. Thank you. Earlier today someone asked me what I wanted the audience to come away with tonight. I decided that personally I wanted people to come away inspired inspired by two remarkable and passionate human beings who written about every tragedy and recreated life on every level and they certainly have. And I for one were a very inspired Thank you.

Would like more information on two women of peace you may log on to our website at Double Dot MP dot org. Funding for two women of peace is made possible in part by a generous grant from the Jacob and Blaustein foundation incorporated. It began as a hope for the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and

Egyptian President Anwar Sadat had visions of peace and they charted paths to it that are still with us now. An extraordinary television first unites their widows as they share their insights on the peace their husbands helped create. This is their remarkable story. Two women of peace.