Egyptian President Anwar Sadat began his three-day visit to Jerusalem on this day in 1977, becoming the first Arab head of state to visit Israel and address its parliament, the Knesset. The address was aimed at advancing the Israeli-Arab peace process. Sadat met with senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Menachem Begin. At that time, the two countries were considered at war.
His visit came under severe criticism both in Israel and in the Arab world. Sadat and Begin were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978 for their attempts to bring a resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Sadat had on November 9, 1977, stated before a special session of the Egyptian People’s Assembly that he was ready to go to their ‘home’, the Knesset in Jerusalem, and discuss peace. Among those present was the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Yasser Arafat. Though Sadat got a standing ovation, the audience did not think he was serious about what he was saying. The Israelis however responded and sent an official invitation to him through the American ambassador in Cairo.
-ENCL
Photo Caption – Egypt´s president Anwar Sadat addressing the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem (al-Quds al-muhtalla), on November 20, 1977 – Wikipedia
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