Foreword by The President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres, to the book written by Prof. Giancarlo Valori

Prof. Giancarlo Valori has written an enlightening book on the peoples, cultures and civilizations around the Mediterranean - from ancient times to the present - that provide the reader with a sweeping account of the riveting chapters of its history. The Mediterranean was once the cradle of unity, peace and creativity and it is no coincidence that all the great monotheistic religions and most of the great philosophies of the modern world emerged around this region. In his book, and within this context, Prof. Valori also dwells on the contribution of Jewish culture and tradition to the Mediterranean heritage, from Biblical times to modern times, aptly depicting the geopolitical position of Israel in times of antiquity and at present. And in today's world of globalization, Giancarlo Valori perceptively urges the nations of the region to emulate the model of Europe - once divided and today united. Giancarlo Valori is seeking in his book to find common denominators among peoples, cultures and religions, in a quest to build a better world. The monotheistic religions of our time - Christianity, Judaism and Judaism - can live together in peace. So can all the nations that call the Mediterranean basin home. Valori has woven a fascinating historical tapestry that should serve as inspiration to the unity he advocates. It is indeed incumbent upon us to build a brighter future for the generations to come, and replace conflict by peace. Prof. Valori is to be commended for bringing to life with his distinctive penmanship the many aspects of the Mediterranean, of its history and the peoples that live around its shores, turning the book into a gratifying reading experience. (READ MORE)