There are probably some people who think that some problems in Cincinnati or in any major metropolis are so great that they are impossible to solve. Poverty, for example, in Cincinnati: Is it solvable?
People who have lived in Israel know the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the difficulties of the peace process. First hand knowledge from the ground makes one appreciate the enormity of the huddles and barriers to achieving peace between Jews and Palestinians.
Back in the late seventies, both Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel and President Anwar Sadat of Egypt were aware of the barriers. It was an act of immense courage when Anwar Sadat visited Jerusalem in 1977 to seek peace with Israel. It was sheer determination that led him to meet with Begin in Washington D.C. in 1978 for the Camp David Accords. One could even say that it was sheer madness that the two met at the White House on March 26, 1979 to sign the Israeli-Egyptian Peace Treaty.
After 30 years of hostilities between Israel and its Arab neighbors, Anwar Sadat was bold enough to attempt to take a step towards peace.
In recognition for their efforts, Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin were awarded the 1978 Nobel Peace Prize. At home Sadat was vilified as a traitor; Egypt was suspended from the Arab League and in 1981 he paid the ultimate price for his boldness. In 1995 an Israeli Prime Minister would also pay the ultimate price for similar boldness at peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
One may say: Well, that is too much a price to pay. Yet, those steps have averted wars between the combined forces of the Arab nations and Israel. Those steps helped towards Jordan making peace with Israel.
There have been skeptics on both sides as to the effectiveness and value of the Peace Treaty. And yes, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is as entrenched as ever. But it is small steps that make a long journey. Whether it is in peace or poverty, the principle applies equally.
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