 "Photo: Sarah Cross")
The mayor of Jerusalem and the mayor of Columbus spoke yesterday at Wexner Center for the Arts in what event organizers called an endeavor to bring together two democratic nations plagued by terrorism.
Mayor Michael Coleman welcomed Ehud Olmert before a packed audience and recognized the great challenge he has had to endure as Jerusalem's mayor during such a painful time.
"It's tough," Coleman said. "It's hard. I greatly respect that."
Olmert, who has been in office since 1993, began his speech by inviting Coleman to be the guest of honor in Jerusalem anytime.
"I am certain you will come," Olmert said.
Olmert made clear his visit was not at all about politics.
The purpose of his speech was to share some observations of life in Jerusalem during such an uncertain time, Olmert said.
"Being mayor of Jerusalem is different from being the mayor of any other city -- with the diversity, sensitivity, and potential conflicts," he said.
Olmert discussed the horror of bombings and explosions, which have become a devastating part of life in Israel.
"Nothing can prepare you for the sights and the heartbreaking task of collecting body parts in your city," he said.
Olmert compared his role with that of Rudolph Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City.
"Our two countries are fighting the same war for fundamentally the same reasons," he said.
Israel is as determined as America to end this war, he said.
"With terrorists, you fight until you win," Olmert said.
He briefly spoke about the Israeli and Palestinian viewpoints.
The Israelis want to compromise with the opposition, he said. Palestinians, on the other hand, have never been ready to make simple, genuine peace.
The only way to solve the conflict in Israel is to force a process that will democratize Arab societies, Olmert said.
"Democratic societies must work together and fight together to oppose those intolerant of democracy," he said.
"Palestinians living in Israel like (democracy)," Olmert said. "They like to be able to express opposition to government without fear."
However, the demolition of Israel will result in the demolition of a democratic state and yet the Palestinians continue to fight for it, he said.
"We will not hesitate to use all necessary tactics to win this war," Olmert said. "We will win because we want to live."
In the middle of Olmert's speech, pro-Palestinian protesters got up from their seats and lined the walls of the auditorium. All the protesters removed their jackets to unveil shirts that together read, "Occupation = Terrorism. The protesters remained quiet for much of the speech but caused the remaining audience to become restless.
As Olmert's speech came to an end and he gave his closing remarks, the protesters began chanting. Due to the large uproar, Olmert and Coleman left immediately, eliminating the planned question-and-answer session.
Many students who attended the speech greatly appreciated what Olmert said.
"I thought it was an excellent point that democracy is the main issue until people have the same values," said Pamela Block, a senior in English. "It's a point that's often overlooked."
"I was struck by the reality of the situation," said Alli Goodman, a junior in marketing. "Mayor Olmert made it clear that the everyday activities of the Israelis are the same as us."
Olmert's visit was made possible by Caravan For Democracy, an organization that features different Israeli dignitaries at college campuses around the country to raise awareness about the link between Israel and America. Ohio State was the only university Olmert visited.
The Schottenstein Chabad house sponsored the event in coordination with Hillel.
One of the purposes of the CFD is to show the reality of what is happening in Israel.
Four student-coordinators did much of the planning for this event.
Josh Elyachar, a freshman in political science; Danielle Leff, a freshman in Jewish studies; Jenn Lapine, a freshman in Hebrew and political science; and David Kaplan, a sophomore in international studies and political science, had a week and a half to plan the entire event.
"It's been a struggle because the interest is so great," Elyachar said.
As part of the CFD, follow-up programs will be held within the next year at OSU and involve other concerned universities to continue awareness and promote advocacy.
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