Great leaders are remembered for the enduring goodness they spread. They leave behind legacies rooted in the lives they touched, the sincerity of their actions, and the truths they were unafraid to speak.
President Jimmy Carter was one such leader. Humble, kind, conscientious, and deeply caring. He demonstrated through his example what it means to serve with humility. He spoke against injustice and was fiercely in the corner of the oppressed. Despite the risks, he never shied away from standing up for the freedom and dignity of Palestinians. He dedicated his post-presidency to causes like Habitat for Humanity, building homes and hope for those in need—a mission that resonates deeply with me.
One of President Carter’s most courageous acts post-presidency was his authorship of the book 'Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.' In it, he outlined the systemic inequalities faced by Palestinians in the occupied territories. Carter boldly described how Israel's settlement policies and restrictions in Palestinian areas amounted to a system of apartheid. His use of the term provoked significant debate, but Carter stood firm, emphasizing that peace would remain elusive without dignity and justice for Palestinians.
In a 2006 interview, he pointed out: "When Israel does occupy this territory deep within the West Bank... this perpetrates even worse instances of apartness, or apartheid, than we witnessed even in South Africa." Such statements drew ire but highlighted a reality often ignored by global powers. Carter reminded the world that sustainable peace could not be achieved while the Palestinian people were deprived of their fundamental human rights.
Carter’s principled stance was also evident in other moments of his life. In 2009, during a visit to Gaza, he stated, "The citizens of Gaza are treated more like animals than human beings," as he called for an end to the suffering caused by the blockade and military actions. In another interview, he declared that Israeli settlements represented "a massive, illegal expropriation of Palestinian territory" and warned of the catastrophic consequences of continuing such policies.
As the world remembers President Carter's towering yet humble presence, it is imperative that we also learn from his legacy. His courage in confronting injustice and advocating for the oppressed is an excellent example for leaders today. The ongoing genocide in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe of the 21st century that demands immediate action. To honor Carter’s legacy, the United States must lead by example, as he did, and stand unequivocally for justice.
This means calling for an immediate ceasefire, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, and halting the flow of arms that enable further destruction. President Carter reminded us that peace is impossible without justice—this truth is as urgent today as it was during his life. It is time for the U.S. government to take bold steps toward upholding human dignity and to lead the world in demanding accountability. To fail to act is to abandon the principles that Carter personified.
Rest in Peace, Mr. President, and may your legacy inspire a new era of courage and conscience. May your life be a moral compass for our political leaders to follow.
By Zafar Siddiqui