We all pray for the success and the grandeur of the
Olympic Games in China
Dear Friends,
China built the longest wall in history. Now it is building the
largest Olympic Games in history. The wall was meant to conceal
China from its enemies, while the Olympic Games are destined to
reveal the new China to its friends. Whereas the wall shows the
greatness of its land, the Olympics will show the greatness of its
spirit.
The President of China, Hu Jintao, calls for harmony between man and
nature, between man and man, between nation and nation. There is
nothing better than sport to express this harmony. When one sees a
person exercising or a group playing, little significance is given
to race or religion. In sport people confront each other with
neither violence nor victimhood and whoever adopts the spirit of
sport prepares his people to live in peace. To the spirit of sport,
there will be added the beautiful esthetic acrobatics of historic
China. It will be a vessel for harmony and a display of beauty. We
all pray for the success and the grandeur of the Olympic Games in
China.
China is a fabulous example of having ventured forth, with
vision and determination, and having gained a remarkable and world
recognized role in its economic growth, and in the preservation of
its unique culture.
On behalf of the State of Israel and its people, I would like to
congratulate the Chinese people for being chosen to host the 2008
Olympic Games. This historical occasion, is a significant platform
upon which the Chinese ideals, hopes, development and culture may
resonate, within a framework of promoting cooperation, friendship
and mutual understanding amidst the different people who shall
participate in the celebrations.
This prestigious publication expresses the great potential which
lies in strengthening the understanding between different cultures
of the world. The Olympic setting and the opportunity which the
Games hold for improving the ties between the competitors and the
states, which they represent, serve to enhance this potential.
Great fruit is yet to spring forth from this seed, given the
tremendous hope embedded in such further cooperation between
nations.
By Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel
(Source: Civilization Magazine)