On December 31, 2006, President Jimmy Carter wrote a commentary in the Washington Post talking about Faith, Commitments and Mideast Peace. His Commentary can be viewed at the following link:

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2006/12/faith_commitments_and_mideast.html

The following is my response to his commentary:

Dear President Carter,

My grandparents from both sides of the family had to flee Turkey at the turn of the 20th century after the massacre of Christians there. My great grandparents from my mothers' side were killed. My grandparents, like many Christians, fled to the Holy Land in search for a peaceful place to live. My parents were born in Jerusalem and it wasn't long before the Jewish-Arab conflict began in 1948. My parents moved away from Jerusalem to Bethlehem to avoid the bloodshed and that's where I was born. I lived there until I was 8 then the 1967 war came about and we found ourselves fleeing there to a safe region. That region was Lebanon. I lived there until I was a teenager then the Lebanese civil war began in 1975. At that point, we were fortunate enough to migrate to the United States--the only place I am honored to call home.

I assure you, what my family endured is not unique, for many other families suffered as much--if not more. All this took place due to religious hatred. As a Christian, I am ashamed of the position of many Christians that promoted religious hatred and intolerance--in direct defiance of the message brought to us by Lord Christ. I wonder what happened to "Love thy neighbor?" I am equally ashamed of the behavior of many Muslim and Jewish groups for the same reason. Religion is supposed to improve our lives and provide the spiritual enrichment to make this world a better place to live.

If humanity is to survive, we must act in accordance to what religions truly teach about love, decency, and compassion. I am truly honored when individuals of your stature speak up and have their views be heard!

Sincerely,

Mounir Murad