Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away last night (Sunday) at the age of 100. Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981, leading the U.S. through a severe economic crisis and playing an active role in the negotiation for the peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. Despite all this, Carter managed to serve only one term, losing by a large margin to the conservative and charismatic Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election.
Efforts for Peace
Carter was the first president to emphasize the Palestinian issue. After the political upheaval and the rise of Begin to power, Carter succeeded in convincing Anwar Sadat, the President of Egypt, to visit Israel. Sadat’s visit to Jerusalem in November and the direct negotiations conducted by the parties changed the rules of the game. Carter attempted to achieve two agreements: one on the Palestinian issue, the territories of Judea and Samaria and Gaza, and the other a diplomatic agreement between Israel and Egypt to regulate relations and Israel’s withdrawal from Sinai. Ultimately, only the second agreement was implemented.
Hanukkah Candles at the White House
President Jimmy Carter was also the first U.S. president to officially recognize Hanukkah by lighting the national menorah in Lafayette Park, across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, on December 17, 1979. The menorah was 30 feet tall and electric. Since then, all presidents have marked the holiday at the White House, and lighting the menorah has become an annual tradition.
In 2002, Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize for “his efforts to promote peace, democracy, and human rights worldwide,” as defined by the prize committee. Even at an advanced age, Carter continued to be politically active, voicing his opinion and advising his successors.
A Courageous Leader Loved by His People
President Isaac Herzog eulogized him: “Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the U.S., was a courageous leader loved by his people. President Carter will always be fondly remembered in Israel, and his legacy will be etched by his deep commitment to promoting peace between nations. The peace between Israel and Egypt, which he led, is considered a historic diplomatic achievement and a groundbreaking step that continues to serve as an anchor of stability in the Middle East and North Africa, even decades later.”
