Barely three years ago in January 2014 (Read here), Ariel Sharon, the ex-Prime Minster of Israel passed away. Unlike Ariel Sharon, who was seen by many as a hawkish politician, Shimon Peres on the other hand was seen as a man of peace. "Peres Center for Peace" founded by him in 1996 sums up his legacy.
Future historians in looking at the Middle East will wonder what Middle East would have been like had the promoters of the Oslo Peace Accords signed in 1993 continued to helm the leadership of Israel and Palestine. Unfortunately, the peace approach was cut short after Yitzak Rabin, the then Prime Minister of Israel and a signatory of the Peace Accords was assassinated in 1995 by a Jewish extremist who opposed the Oslo Peace Accords.
Throughout history, people who dared to chart into unknown territory in order to make a difference faced great risks and adversity. Many paid the price with their own lives.
Shimon Peres once said, "The most important thing in life is to dare. The most complicated thing in life is to be afraid. The smartest thing in the world is to try to be a moral person". This probably sums up his conviction and approach for peace rather than confrontation.
He was a leader who dared make difficult decision just like what he said. "I worked with a group of people who argued day and night - professors, officials, the Minister of Finance - but there were decisions that I had to make". This statement is particularly true because I have met leader who just loves to solicit for ideas after ideas but never dares make a decision lest it may "offend" certain people or he may become unpopular. We find such kind of "leaders" among many of our politicians! What a shame!
He was a leader who dared make difficult decision just like what he said. "I worked with a group of people who argued day and night - professors, officials, the Minister of Finance - but there were decisions that I had to make". This statement is particularly true because I have met leader who just loves to solicit for ideas after ideas but never dares make a decision lest it may "offend" certain people or he may become unpopular. We find such kind of "leaders" among many of our politicians! What a shame!
But Shimon Peres' assessment of the Jewish people probably is the most accurate. What he said truly reflects the tenacity and endurance of this special chosen people called the Jews: "The Jews' greatest contribution to history is dissatisfaction! We are a nation born to be discontented. Whatever exists we believe can be changed for the better".
Rest in Peace Shimon Peres!
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