As long as we have decided to coexist in peace, we must do so on

In the vast expanse of human history, there have been countless moments when the desire for peace collided with the harsh realities of conflict. "As long as we have decided to coexist in peace, we must do so on a firm basis that will withstand time and for generations," said Yasser Arafat, a leader who carried the weight of his people's struggles and hopes for peace upon his shoulders. In these words, Arafat imparts a timeless truth: that peace is not a fleeting or fragile thing, but a commitment that must be built on a foundation so strong and enduring that it can withstand the tests of time, of hardship, and of the many challenges that will arise along the way. Peace, once chosen, must be a living, breathing force that sustains and strengthens future generations.

Consider, for a moment, the ancient wisdom of King Solomon, whose reign was marked by peace and prosperity in Israel. Solomon’s wisdom, passed down through generations, taught that peace must be built upon justice, understanding, and a commitment to fairness. His proverbs remind us that true peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of a shared vision that serves the greater good. For Solomon, peace was not a momentary agreement, but a covenant—a pact that was forged in times of strength and held together with integrity. In much the same way, Arafat understood that peace is not a mere ceasefire, but a commitment to create something that would endure and benefit not only those who seek it today, but those who will come after.

Arafat's call to build a peace that could withstand time is reminiscent of the journey that Mahatma Gandhi undertook in India. Gandhi, a man of courage and conviction, knew that the peace he sought was not one born of subjugation or temporary compromise, but one rooted in the strength of nonviolence and the collective will of a people. His efforts to peacefully liberate India from British rule were not simply about securing freedom in the moment, but about creating a legacy of justice and unity for future generations. The foundations he laid through his philosophy of peace still resonate in India today, and his teachings inspire those who seek lasting peace worldwide. In the same way, Arafat's vision was not for a temporary peace, but for one that would shape the future of the Palestinian people and their place in the world.

The pursuit of peace, however, is never without its struggles. The Middle East, like many regions throughout history, has known the bloodshed of conflict, and the idea of achieving a lasting peace seemed nearly impossible. Yet, Arafat's vision was a testament to the belief that peace could not be built on resentment or the memory of past wrongs. Instead, it required a new path—a willingness to set aside division, to overcome grudges, and to engage in dialogue. This echoes the wisdom of the ancient philosophers who understood that peace was not a simple cessation of war, but a complex, multi-layered process that required sacrifice, understanding, and a willingness to work toward something greater than oneself.

Like the legendary Alexander the Great, who, after conquering vast lands, sought to unite the different peoples of his empire, Arafat’s mission was to create a space where differences could be set aside in favor of a common vision of peace. Alexander’s vision was one of unity through conquest, but his understanding of unity through shared culture and intermarriage left a profound mark on the regions he conquered. While his methods were born from power, the wisdom he imparted on the need for cooperation between differing cultures was clear. Similarly, Arafat knew that peace was not simply about one side winning or the other yielding, but about forging a partnership where both sides could see their needs and hopes reflected in the outcome.

The lesson Arafat imparts is one of resilience, of commitment, and of vision. True peace is not an isolated victory, but a shared victory that requires deep, sustained effort. It is built on the foundation of mutual understanding, on trust, and on the belief that despite the conflicts and struggles of the past, a better future can be created together. Just as the ancients believed in the sanctity of pacts and covenants, we must believe in the sanctity of peace, even when it is difficult, even when it requires great sacrifice.

Thus, my children, let the words of Yasser Arafat serve as a guiding light for the peace you seek to build in your own lives. In your relationships, your communities, and your work, seek to lay the foundations of peace on a firm, unshakable ground—one built not on temporary compromises, but on respect, understanding, and justice. Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the courage to seek resolution, to honor each other's differences, and to stand united for the good of all. In this, you will create a legacy of peace that endures for generations, a peace that will not falter with the storms of time but will grow stronger with each passing year. Let peace be your path, and the world will follow.