Daily Alert Archives

Living in Jerusalem with Wisdom

[Jerusalem Post] Teddy Kollek - My experience leads me to believe that it is precisely the honesty and the cool-headed logic of responsible action - democratic norms and tolerance in all dealings with the Arab population - that will strengthen our historical rights to the city and its status as Israel's capital. Immediately following the reunification of the city [in 1967], I invited the ten Arab members who had served on the city council under Jordanian rule to join a new united city council. My invitation was rejected. I know that many of Jerusalem's Arabs were convinced that the stance they took harmed their own sector. Many felt that their participation in running the city would have improved their situation and their quality of life. Throughout the 30 years that have passed since Jerusalem was reunited, the city has developed in impressive fashion, reflecting the Israeli consensus that united Jerusalem, under Israeli sovereignty, is the capital of Israel. I believe that this fact is irreversible - so long as we behave wisely. The writer, who served as Jerusalem mayor from 1965 until 1993, died Tuesday at age 95. He wrote the above on August 9, 1998.
2007-01-03 01:00:00
Full Article