Let us all pledge to protect this opportunity in order to see

"Let us all pledge to protect this opportunity in order to see that the wish of peace becomes a true and daily fact in this region." These words, spoken by Mahmoud Abbas, carry with them the weight of a moment in history, a turning point where peace is not just an ideal or a distant hope, but a real, tangible possibility—if only it is embraced with courage, resolve, and unity. In the ancient world, peace was often seen as the highest aspiration of rulers and peoples alike. To live in peace was to live in harmony with one’s neighbors, to ensure that justice was upheld and that the cycle of conflict could be broken. But such peace was never achieved by wishful thinking alone—it required an active, collective effort, a pledge made not just in words, but in deeds.

In the Greek city-states, the pursuit of peace was central to their understanding of civilization. Pericles, in his famous funeral oration, spoke of the greatness of the Athenian way of life, where the citizens lived in freedom and harmony with one another, but he also understood that this peace was fragile. It was a peace that had to be nurtured, maintained by the effort of every citizen, and protected by those who had the power to shape the course of the state. The Greeks knew that peace was not an accident—it was the result of hard work, sacrifice, and the unwavering commitment to a common cause. In this, they understood that peace was not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, respect, and mutual understanding.

Similarly, the Romans believed in the sacred responsibility of their leaders to secure peace within their empire. The concept of Pax Romana was more than just a time of relative tranquility—it was an ideal, a system of governance that allowed for the flourishing of all who lived under Roman rule. But the Pax Romana was not handed down from the gods; it was earned through the strength of Roman institutions, the wisdom of its leaders, and the commitment of its people to peace. The Roman Senate, though flawed, understood the importance of unity and stability in preserving this peace. As in Abbas’ words, there was a pledge made—not just by the ruling class, but by all citizens—to ensure that the flame of peace would continue to burn.

In modern times, the Middle East has been a region that has seen countless conflicts and struggles, yet it has also witnessed moments of great hope. Mahmoud Abbas, as a leader of the Palestinian people, has called for a renewed commitment to peace—not as a fleeting moment, but as a daily reality. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one of the most enduring and painful struggles in modern history, has created wounds that have festered for generations. And yet, as Abbas calls for a pledge to protect the opportunity for peace, he is echoing the ancient wisdom that peace can only be achieved when all parties involved commit to it, when they recognize that the future is not found in violence, but in understanding, dialogue, and shared hope.

Consider the Camp David Accords of 1978, when Anwar Sadat of Egypt, Menachem Begin of Israel, and Jimmy Carter of the United States came together in the pursuit of peace. Though their agreement was not perfect, it marked a pivotal moment in the Middle East—one where the desire for peace overcame the inertia of decades of hostility. The Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty that resulted from these talks has stood for over four decades as a testament to what can be achieved when leaders from both sides, despite their differences, agree to work towards reconciliation. In this, we see the power of pledging to protect opportunities for peace, just as Abbas calls for today. It is a reminder that peace requires more than negotiation—it requires faith, trust, and the willingness to put aside the bitter past for the sake of a better future.

The lesson that Abbas’ words impart is clear: peace is not a distant dream. It is something that must be actively sought, protected, and upheld, not just by leaders but by all who are involved. Trust and solidarity are the keystones of any lasting peace, for without them, even the most well-intentioned agreements will falter. Just as in ancient times, when governance and leadership were seen as the sacred duty to preserve the well-being of the people, today’s leaders are entrusted with the task of creating a future where peace is more than just a wish. It must be a reality—a reality built on justice, tolerance, and respect.

In our own lives, we too must take this pledge to protect peace. Whether in our families, our communities, or on the global stage, we must recognize that peace is not something we wait for—it is something we must create. It begins with each of us, in how we treat others, in how we confront injustice, and in how we strive to build a world where tolerance and solidarity are not mere words, but lived truths. Let us pledge, as Abbas urges, to protect the opportunity for peace, knowing that in doing so, we shape a legacy of hope for generations to come.

May we rise to this challenge, understanding that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, respect, and understanding—values that have been passed down from the ancients and must continue to guide us toward a more harmonious world.