Remarks by President Ezer Weizman
following his Meeting with Pope John Paul II
Jerusalem, 23 March 2000
I am honored and happy to welcome Your Holiness to the Israeli
President's Residence in Jerusalem.
In the two days that Your Holiness has been with us, you have no
doubt been impressed by the beauty of the city.
In front of you are seated Israeli ministers, judges of the
Supreme Court, members of the Knesset, ambassadors of all
countries which have diplomatic relations with Israel, heads of
religious groups, Israeli dignitaries, and public
representatives. With us also are President Katzir, Mrs. Ora
Herzog, the wife of the sixth president, and Mrs. Leah Rabin, the
wife of Yitzhak Rabin, may his soul rest in peace.
There is a question whether history makes a leader, or a leader
creates history. You, Your Holiness, without doubt, clearly leave
your mark and influence on history. During the past years, we
have been witnessing a process of globalization. People from
different countries, from different cultures and with different
religions, are drawn to one another. This is due to the modern
technology. But you, Your Holiness, through your character, your
conduct, and your personal influence, unite the hearts of
humanity.
We are in Jerusalem, the holy city, the eternal capital of
Israel, a very important religious center for Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam - and the city of peace. Your visit to
Jerusalem can contribute to peace, to friendship between Jews,
Muslims, Christians, and between Israel and the Arab world.
For thirty years, I personally fought in Israeli wars, and over
the past twenty years, I am doing everything in my ability for
the battle of peace. Israel signed a peace treaty with Egypt and
Jordan. Our borders with them are quiet. We have also reached
agreement with the Palestinians and I hope that we will soon
attain permanent settlement with them. The large wound is
Lebanon, and it is clear that the key to Lebanon is Damascus. I
hope that the forthcoming summit meeting between President
Clinton and President Assad will be successful, and we will be
able to achieve peace both with Syria and with Lebanon. A
comprehensive peace between Israel and her neighbors is the dream
of every Israeli, and all the people of the Middle East.
Your Holiness, you will visit Yad Vashem today, and there you
will unite with the memory of the six million Jews who were
murdered in the Holocaust. Your Holiness has acted strongly
against racism, against anti-Semitism, and I believe that your
visit to Yad Vashem will contribute to the continuation of this
important struggle. My wife and I wish Your Holiness good health
and continued success in this most special visit to Israel.