Speaker: George Saboura - Jerusalem native shares perspective on Mideast
"Let there be no more wars or bloodshed between Arabs and Israelis.
Let there be no more suffering.....
Let there be no more despair or loss of faith.
Let no mother lament the loss of her child.
Let no young man waste his life
on a conflict from which no one benefits."
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat,
1979 Camp David ceremony
Removed in time and distance from his native Jerusalem, George Saboura shared his perspective on the prospect of Mideast peace through the eyes of one who spent 30 years working for the U.S. State Department in Jerusalem. Prior to joining the State Department, Saboura worked for the United Nations for eight years.
During his work with the United Nations, Saboura was "acquainted with the demarcation line" between the Israeli and Arab countries, having stepped between mines there. Recalling that earlier time, Saboura remarked, "The U.N. was trying to keep peace -- and they still are."
In 1969, Saboura was bored with his work at the U.N. and gained work at the American Consulate in Jerusalem, where his skills in reading Hebrew and Arabic brought him advancement.
Present for the first peace efforts when Egyptian President Anwar Sadat came and spoke, he recalled being in the King David Hotel in front of the radio translating Sadat’s words into English. He also recalled working with Vice President Mondale and Secretaries of State Vance and Christopher.
As to the prospect of peace? "I have always said it is impossible to put two together. Impossible. Peace will never be in the land of peace," Saboura said.
Asked about reported Arab resentment toward the United States, Saboura replied, "I’m not a politician any more... I think there is an ignorance in Arab countries about the achievements and philanthropy here and that is the reason (for the resentment).... The last resentment I saw was beginning 5-6 years ago; now it is much more -- especially after the attempt to help the Iraqis rid themselves of despotism."
Saboura, of Ukranian-Greek descent and now a U.S. citizen, moved here with his wife, Sylvia, Thanksgiving Day in 1998 to join his four sons, who attended college in Mount Vernon, Ga. and took up residence in the States. One is an pharmacist, one holds a degree in law, one is a chiropractor, and one an accountant. Educated at a French missionary Catholic school, an Anglican English mission high school, and at the Hebrew University on the Mount of Olives, he is well versed in several languages and acquainted with Jerusalem’s holy shrines.
George First Lady Awards Club Recognition
ATLANTA -- The Smyrna Optimist Club was one of only three clubs in Georgia recognized by Georgia First Lady Mary Perdue as a Champion for Children on Feb. 3. Perdue cited the club’s 30-year involvement with Calvary Children’s Home, commenting on the recent donation for the purchase of a bus, helping with landscaping and home repairs, hosting weekend home visits for the children and continuing to provide financial support.
"It is my hope that (this recognition) will encourage other civic groups to take an interest in foster children and make a difference in the life of a child," Perdue said.
"Working for these children has been a blessing to our organization," said club President Susan Pearson. "It is our obligation as citizens and stewards of this great state to take care of those in need. I am very proud to have a First Lady that cares so much for our foster children."
Also attending the ceremony on behalf of the club were Ann Harris, Brian Cooper, and Mike Kidd. Snyder Turner attended on behalf of Calvary Children’s Home.
Meeting
Joan Stuart and Kathleen Robinson were inducted as new members. There were 51 members and two guests
present
