Yet, so many people view our homeland as one in which only hatred and violence and extremism prevail. I'm no political expert or soothsayer, but I believe with all of my heart that some day a just and comprehensive peace will come. It will not be easy, and as we have already seen, it will not be quick. There will be many bumps and curves, many starts and stops along the way. But there is no other way, no other alternative.
Peace is the only way.
Whether in Cairo or Jerusalem, Oslo or Damascus, whatever they choose, the conflicting parties must talk to each other, negotiate and compromise, listen and understand, love and forgive. Whether on the White House lawn or the Jordanian desert, the treatises must be signed and the promises must be kept. Enough mistakes have been made, enough speeches have been given and enough time has been wasted. But they are gone. And it is time for all of us as people who live, and like us of faith, to raise our voices and be heard.