Jerusalem Dialog
Saadat chose Yom Kippur to attack! The Jews are all in synagogues, he thought, unarmed and unprepared and will be taken unawares. What an opportunity! The Yom Kippur war was a disaster for the Egyptians! In 1977 Saadat accepted Begin's invitation to visit Jerusalem. There they had a conversation. I call it "Jerusalem Dialogue".
Jerusalem Dialogue
"A just peace"
That's what he said
"A just peace."
Over and over
He said it
At least half a dozen times
We heard
"A just peace"
And Begin
Repeated after him
"A just peace"
And what is Mr. Sadat's
"Just peace"
And what is Mr. Begin's
And what is mine?
"The Arabs were here more than a thousand years ago"
said Mr. Saadat
"The Jews were here more than a thousand years ago
said Mr. Begin
"We were exterminated by the millions"
said Mr. Begin
"That was very sad!"
said Mr. Sadat.
"The Arabs have been fighting us even before
we set up the State"
said Mr. Begin.
"Yes, even your great friends, the United States
Recognizes the legitimate right of the Palestinians
to a homeland,"
said Mr. Saadat
"Jerusalem has to be an open city,"
said Mr. Saadat
"Everyone has access to his Holy places,"
said Mr. Begin
"All territories must be released from Israeli control."
said Mr. Saadat
"Everything is open to discussion and compromise"
said, Mr. Begin
"About the territories, there can be no bargaining.
It is holy land"
said Mr. Sadat
"And not one footstep can be given up."
"We will continue these talks"
said Mr. Begin.
"Of course!"
said Mr. Saadat.
"Where, when?"
asked Mr. Begin
"We'll see"
said Mr. Saadat.
"Goodbye"
waved Mr. Saadat
"Shalom!"
said Mr. Begin.
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