The 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, who was laid to rest today, played a pivotal role in achieving the historic peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. In 2019, President Carter gave a rare interview to Prof. Vered Vinitzky-Seroussi, then head of the Truman Institute at Hebrew University, and journalist Tali Lipkin-Shahak, where he reflected on his memories and vision for peace in the Middle East.

“The attempt to bring peace to the Holy Land was a very personal thing for me,” President Carter said. “I still pray that one day, in some way, we will achieve it.” He emphasized that one of his lifelong goals was for Israel to live in harmony with its neighbors, adding: “The thing about Begin was that peace would apply not only to him and his children but also to his grandchildren — that peace would be permanent after 2,000 years of enmity and war.”

President Carter also spoke passionately about the need for hope and leadership: “I pray that there will be peace in the Holy Land, and that the two countries will flourish side by side.” He stressed the importance of leaders committed to forging a path to peace.

During the interview, Prof. Vinitzky-Seroussi presented President Carter with the Keter Jerusalem Bible, honoring his unwavering dedication to peace and his enduring impact on the region.

Hebrew University joins the global community in mourning President Carter’s passing and honoring his legacy as a peacemaker who aspired to bring lasting harmony to the Middle East.

 

Prof. Vinitzky-Seroussi and President Jimmy Carter 
Credit: Truman Institute