September 28, 2016 – President Shimon Peres passed away last night after a fulfilling lifetime of 93 years. He left a profound body of work, for his Nation State of Israel, in his relations with world leaders and his quest for peace in the Middle East between the Arab and Israeli people.
I will proudly cherish the Sunday morning in June 2008 when along with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa we were invited to the official residence of the President of Israel, Beit Hanassi. Knowing before hand of this visit, I had prepared to take with me two books and a dvd.
At the security entrance, when they looked over my unpacked items and cleared them, I was told there would probably be no time during the meeting as the President had several engagements, but I requested the Mayor anyway of my wish.
President Peres walked into the room – an elegant debonair 85 year old, fit and straight postured and very charming. He went into a lengthy discussion about the current problems in the region, engaging us with his witty anecdotes and metaphors on the peace process. After chatting with our Mayor about Los Angeles and his visit so far, the Israeli deputy with us told President Peres that the Muslim delegate had a gift for him.
Standing right next to him, I showed him the first book ‘Historical atlas of Islam’ by Professor Azim Nanji, and said it was my favorite as it explains the chronological history of my Muslim world. He asked me.. “when was it published”… I didn’t know but I nervously replied… “about two years ago” (thankfully, I have matured since and find it easier to say I didn’t check).
Then the book ‘Under the Eaves of Architecture: The Aga Khan: Builder and Patron… ‘ I remarked that our Muslim world has the most majestic buildings ever.. and he sighed and said… “yes, I know”…but I added “however your Jerusalem is magnificient.” And he broadly beamed and smiled at me and said .. “yes its true.”
And lastly, the dvd.. “the Aga Khans and the Ismailis” by Shamir Alibhai who had made it available in PAL. I said a few words about our Imam and the work that he was doing for the Ummah. He told me about some wonderful community projects promoting harmony between the Arab and Israeli children.
After the group photographs, I had a chance to sneak away and walk around the pristine presidential gardens and admire the formidable sculptured busts of the pioneering figures in Jewish history.
This was a unique Israeli leader who looked for the good in each and every human being. He was the only one who unrelentingly promoted a trade and tech relationship with the Arab Countries. And he constantly inspired and focused on the innovative spirit of all the children of Israel.
He taught us all how to live an exemplary life of being the “ other”
May God Rest his soul in Eternal peace.
— Dr. Nur Amersi has been the executive director of the Afghanistan World Foundation since 2006. She serves as a private consultant on International Affairs and is currently also working on a project documenting the consequences of the United States Foreign Policy with the Middle East
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- Peace, Security and Happiness for both Israelis and Palestinians
- A Muslim’s Memorable Visit to Rome, the Vatican and Jerusalem
- Religious leaders join hands to take on worldwide woes – Nur Amersi on interfaith mission
- Ismailis in the News: Dr. Nur Amersi – Executive Director – Afghanistan World Foundation
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