My interest with President Anwar Sadat began during the 1970s while I was attending high
school.  I often read various news magazines that featured Sadat’s polices, such as, his
decision in 1972 to expel the Soviet advisers from his country, the 1973 October War,
Kissinger’s Shuttle diplomacy, the historic 1977 visit to Israel, and of course the Camp David
Peace Accords.  Following the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, Sadat and Egypt were
ostracized by his Arab neighbors.  He also allowed the deposed Shah of Iran a final sanctuary
in Egypt, while other former allies ignored his pleas.  Egypt has lost precious resources, both
human and financial, due to the four wars with Israel and Sadat understood that peace could
usher in an era of prosperity for his country.  That is the sign of a true leader, one of
confidence and pragmatism.  
   It was for these reasons that I wrote a personal letter to President Sadat in the summer of
1980.  It was a simple letter extolling his policies and my sentiments for a comprehensive
Arab-Israeli peace.  I had suggested that the Palestinians should be allowed to have a
separate homeland just as the Israelis had achieved.  Americans fought for independence a
long time ago and we are particularly sensitive to self determination.  I had also requested a
meeting with President Sadat, at my own expense, to convey my admiration.  Perhaps an
Egyptian official might send a form letter from the President.  However, to my surprise, I
received a personal letter from Anwar Sadat inviting me to his country as a guest of Egypt.  
   My trip occurred from April 20 to May 5, 1981.  Unfortunately, the day that I arrived, Syria
had installed surface-to-air missiles in Lebanon causing an international crisis.  The following
week several European foreign ministers traveled to Egypt to attempt their own diplomacy
for a comprehensive Arab-Israeli summit.  Although I had traveled to see many of Egypt’s
historic treasures, I was unable to see its most valuable asset, Anwar Sadat.  His assassination
on October 6, 1981 prevented me form realizing my dream although I have met with his
charming widow, Jehan, on several occasions.  
   To mark the 25th anniversary of my trip and also Sadat’s death, I have created this
website to disseminate his message of peace for the entire world via his World Peace
Center.  Please assist me in spreading this information to friends and colleagues all over the
world.  We only have one planet for over 6.5 billion people to share and I think we need to
be more respectful of everyone’s individual cultures and aspirations.  
   Currently I am an adjunct professor of History at Lehigh Carbon Community College,
Northampton Community College, and Moravian College.

Sincerely,

Todd Zimmerman