AJC Remembers Anwar Sadat 25 Years after Assassination
October 7, 2006 ? New York ? Twenty-five years ago, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, a heroic leader of Arab-Israeli peace and reconciliation, was murdered by rogue Egyptian soldiers while viewing a military parade in Cairo. We pause now to recall that tragic moment ? for Egypt, the Middle East, and the world ? and to rededicate ourselves to advancing the peace championed by that fallen Arab statesman. Sadat's murder, two years after he had signed the historic Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, was a blow to all in Egypt and throughout the region dedicated to halting violent Islamist extremism, which threatened ? and continues to threaten ? moderate Arab states, and relentlessly seeks the destruction of Israel. The arc of President Sadat's tenure, begun upon the death of the militant pan-Arabist Gamal Abdel Nasser, ran from war to peace. Indeed, it was Sadat who had launched a vicious, surprise attack against Israel, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, in 1973. He had risen through his nation's military and political ranks under the tutelage of President Nasser, whose determination to destroy Israel had set his country and the region on the path that led to the 1967 Arab-Israel war, the pivotal event that brought disastrous consequences for Egypt, Jordan, Syria and the Palestinians. But it was Sadat who came to recognize the opportunity for peace, and then had the vision and courage to act for the long-term benefit of his people. Those of us who remember awakening early in the U.S. to watch President Sadat address the Knesset not only recall where we were that historic day, but also will forever admire the dramatic example he set by going to Israel's capital city of Jerusalem, and offering directly to the Israeli people to lay down arms and make peace. Only Jordan?s King Hussein has followed in Sadat?s footsteps. We can only imagine how history might have differed, and might have deepened the roots of peace, had Anwar Sadat?s life not been cut short. President Sadat proved to the world that Israel is ready to negotiate, and to make painful compromises, with a willing partner. Israel, and world Jewry, await the next partner. That would be the best salute to Sadat?s legacy.
Ari M. Gordon Program Associate, Intergroup Affairs The American Jewish Committee 165 E56th St. New York, NY 10022 (212) 751-4000 x266