World 1977: Enter Sadat: A sacred mission to Israel

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Enter Sadat

A "sacred mission" to Israel

At two minutes to 8 on Saturday night—the evening arrival was carefully chosen so as not to violate the Jewish Sabbath—the Egyptian white Boeing 707, its red trim glistening under klieg lights, rolled to a stop at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. Israeli army trumpeters blared out a welcoming fanfare. As thousands of Israelis waved their newly purchased red-white-and-black Egyptian flags, out stepped President Anwar Sadat on a "sacred mission"—to speak directly to the people of Israel about peace.

Sadat was greeted warmly by President Ephraim Katzir and Premier Menachem Begin. "Thank you," said Sadat as he shook hands. Answered Begin: "You are welcome. Thank you for coming to visit us." Never before had the Middle East witnessed such a moment—the first visit ever of an Arab leader to the Jewish state—and Israelis could scarcely believe what they were seeing. Egypt has been an implacable enemy in four wars that have cost thousands of casualties on both sides, yet there was Anwar Sadat standing solemnly at attention as a military band played both the Egyptian national anthem and the Israeli Hatikvah. In the background, gunners fired off a 21-gun salute.