Prince William has just returned from a tour of the Middle East, where he paid his respects to holocaust victims in Israel, took a message of Peace from Israeli President Reuben Rivlin to President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, Palestine, and spent much time ‘absorbing’ the cultures of both the Israeli and Palestinian people, visiting hospitals, meeting people both young and old on walkabouts, and also meeting the families of people who were saved by his brave great-grandmother Princess Alice of Battenberg.
When Prince William visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum accompanied by British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mervis, he laid a wreath on a stone slab under which the ashes of the holocaust victims from the extermination camps are buried. He also took a tour around the museum, during which he looked visibly moved. The remnants of people’s belongings respectfully preserved in suitcases, photographs of deceased families, and thousands of shoes in glass cabinets, which people had been told to take off before they were exterminated in the gas chambers, were all on display, leaving William saying that he was struggling to comprehend the scale of such horror.
William told Guest’s at a reception in Ramat Gan in Israel “Israel is a vibrant Country which thrives on innovation, diversity, talent, and excellence,” and said ties were at an all-time high. He also promised Britain’s support in the quest for peace between Israel and Palestine. He said “I know I share a desire with all of you, and with your neighbours, for a just and lasting peace. The United Kingdom stands with you as we work together for a peaceful and prosperous future.”
In Ramallah, Palestine, President Mahmoud Abbas told the Prince that “the Palestinian side is committed to the peace process with the Israelis.” Prince William then told President Abbas that he was “glad our two Countries work so closely together and have had success stories with education and relief work in the past. So, long may that continue. My sentiment’s the same as yours in hoping there’s a lasting peace for the region.”
Prince William’s warm statement at the outset of the trip that he was there to listen and learn about Israeli and Palestinian culture, and gentle and calm composure seemingly made for an extremely relaxed and pleasant trip. (For all parties.)
Words by Amanda Waters