Let me tell you something that we Israelis have against Moses. He took us 40 years through the desert in order to bring us to the one spot in the Middle East that has no oil!
Golda MeirRead
We can forgive [the Arabs] for killing our children. We cannot forgive them for forcing us to kill their children. We will only have peace with [the Arabs] when they love their children more than they hate us...
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the complexities of enmity and compassion in conflict, emphasizing the need for empathy in reconciliation.
Golda Meir’s quote highlights the tragic cycle of violence and the moral dilemmas faced in conflict situations. It expresses a deep sorrow over the loss of life, particularly of children, and emphasizes that true peace can only be achieved when empathy prevails over hatred. It suggests that both sides must recognize the shared value of life, especially for the innocent, to foster mutual understanding and love instead of division.
Themes
ForgivenessPeaceLoveChildrenConflict
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a peace conference to emphasize the importance of empathy in resolving conflicts.
More from Golda Meir
All quotes →We don't thrive on military acts. We do them because we have to, and thank God we are efficient.
Golda MeirRead
It isn't really important to decide when you are very young just exactly what you want to become when you grow up. It is much more important to decide on the way you want to live. If you are going to be honest with yourself and honest with your friends, if you are going to get involved in causes which are good for others, not only for yourselves, then it seems to me that that is sufficient, and maybe what you will be is only a matter of chance.
Golda MeirRead
It is true we have won all our wars, but we have paid for them. We don't want victories anymore.
Golda MeirRead
It's no accident many accuse me of conducting public affairs with my heart instead of my head. Well, what if I do?.. Those who don't know how to weep with their whole heart don't know how to laugh either.
Golda MeirRead
Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life.
Golda MeirRead
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