"Long has reality belied ethnicity-oriented conceptions of the Nation. In a country where resident foreigners make up almost half of the population, and where foreigners constitute two thirds of the working population, it no longer makes any sense. Wider conceptions of the Nation have come into being."

“The efforts must be shared between those who welcome and those who wish to integrate. The acceptance of the basic rules of our society, of our democratic ideas, of our ways of life and our cultural plurality are a precondition which cannot be argued against.”

“This conflict has been going on for too long. It is essential that the parties start new direct negotiations and negotiate a sustainable peace, with the support of the Quartet. The path will be arduous, no doubt, but the objective is worth it, for the Israelis and the Palestinians and the entire region: an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine, living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.”

“Faced with events of such magnitude , we share the same sense of helplessness, with the impression that things are imposed on us by fate or an external force. Yet it is Man who writes history.”

“Recent events show us, however, that stability and peace on our continent are not permanent institutions. Quite the opposite.”

“Each of us, within the limits of our resources, is set to be an actor, in having a lead role in one's own life, but above all by committing to others...a profound truth that everyone has a role to play in society beyond their own fate.”

“This crisis is a challenge to our conscience. It puts our committment to a hard test.”