Ambassador
James B. Cunningham

Biography

Speeches

Ambassador’s taped remarks for the Coexistence Conference sponsored by Western Galilee College (taped June 30, 2009)

Mayor Buhbut
Vice Prime Minister Shalom
Minister Braverman
Prof. Fishman [President of the Western Galilee College]
Ladies and gentlemen.
[hello in Hebrew] Shalom
[hello in Arabic] Ahlan Wa-sahlan [AH-laan wah-SAH -laan]
Good Morning.

I thank you for your invitation to visit Ma’alot and participate in the Third Ma’a lot – Tarshiha Conference, and to offer greetings to the conference participants. I regret that I am unable to join you today, but your work and the Conference is important and I do want to commend the organizers and participants for their efforts.

I am impressed by the spirit and drive so many of you bring to working together to make a better shared life in Ma’alot-Tarshiha and throughout the country.

In the mayor’s invitation to me, he described the vision of the city – to create a different reality, a reality of hope based on pluralism, tolerance and partnership between Jews and Arabs.

Maalot-Tarshiha has become a model, a city whose residents live and work together to build a better community for all its members. We Americans understand very well from our own history that creating an environment in which all people can live together, raise their families, and “live in co-existence” can be difficult. The task requires understanding and tolerance and commitment to overcome differences. And it requires constant effort.

The American embassy has worked with many of you to promote coexistence, tolerance, and partnership. We are pleased to support those who work to realize the democratic values that Israelis and Americans share.

When the United States was founded 233 years ago, Americans established the goal -- but not the reality -- of equality among our citizens. Ever since then we have struggled, sometimes at great cost, to achieve that ideal.

We have achieved many major milestones and successes. But our struggle to overcome prejudice and intolerance continues today.

In President Obama’s speech in Cairo, he said, “So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.” He added, “Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; our progress must be shared.”

I know your work today will be in that spirit, a spirit that looks to a better future for all people in this region. I hope the Conference will inspire its participants, and build bridges. I wish you every success, today and in the future. The United States supports your efforts.

Coexistence Conference, Western Galilee College – taped remarks June 30, 2009 1600