15 Quotes by Abba Eban with Explanations:
1. ”If the Arabs laid down their arms today, there would be no war tomorrow. If the Jews laid down their arms today, there would be no Jews tomorrow.” (1967)
This famous quote highlights the tense situation between Israelis and Palestinians. Eban argues that for Israel’s survival, they cannot disarm, while also acknowledging the Palestinians’ desire for peace.
2. ”History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.”
This quote reflects Eban’s belief that diplomacy and negotiation are often pursued as a last resort, after other options have failed.
3. ”The Arabs never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.”
This critical statement suggests Eban believed Arabs have repeatedly rejected chances for peace with Israel.
4. ”We live in the Middle East, and miracles are a part of our daily bread.”
This quote acknowledges the unpredictable and often surprising nature of events in the region.
5. ”Peace will come when the Arabs love their children more than they hate us.”
This statement suggests lasting peace requires a shift in Arab priorities, from hostility towards Israel to the well-being of their own people.
6. ”The problem in the Middle East is that if you’re not fuzzy on the facts, you’re not sure of your friends.”
This quote highlights the complex alliances and shifting loyalties that can make it difficult to know who to trust.
7. ”Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
Despite the challenges, Eban emphasizes the importance of optimism and hope in achieving peace.
8. ”The Jewish people are a stiff-necked people. We were born stiff-necked at the foot of Mount Sinai.”
This quote, using a biblical reference, acknowledges the strong will and determination of the Jewish people.
9. ”The difference between us and the Arabs is that we consider the past a prologue, they consider it an epilogue.”
This statement suggests Israelis focus on the future and building a new nation, while Arabs dwell on past grievances.
1 10. ”There is no substitute for victory in the eyes of the beholder. The Arabs can never legitimize defeat, and we will never legitimize our withdrawal from victory.”
This quote highlights the difficulty of compromise when both sides see themselves as victorious.
11. ”The Middle East is the only place where you can see the future coming towards you at eighty kilometers an hour.”
This humorous observation reflects the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of events in the region.
12. ”Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of education for progress and a brighter future.
13. ”We never miss an opportunity to make a mistake.”
This self-deprecating remark acknowledges that both Israelis and Palestinians have made errors in judgment.
14. ”The greatest danger in the times of trouble is not the trouble itself, but the temptation to fight it with methods that destroy the very thing we hope to save.”
This quote warns against sacrificing core values in the pursuit of security.
15. ”The only true security for a nation is the well-being of its people.”
Eban emphasizes that a nation’s true strength lies not just in military power, but in the welfare of its citizens.