Civil rights icon Andrew Young, honored at the Forever Young gala, reflects on his long journey toward peace in the Middle East, amid rising tensions in Gaza.
Andrew Young’s life has been a tapestry of pivotal moments: from his role as a civil rights leader to his service as United States Ambassador to the United Nations. But as he approaches his 94th birthday, Young’s unwavering commitment to peace in the Middle East stands as one of his most enduring legacies. On May 12, 2025, the world will recognize him once again at the Forever Young gala, a tribute hosted at Atlanta’s Woodruff Arts Center. The event will not only honor his monumental achievements but also raise critical funds for National Jewish Health, the nation’s leading respiratory care hospital.
While such honors have come often throughout Young’s life, this evening has special significance. The gala, co-chaired by friends Billye Aaron, Billy Payne, and Paul Hagedorn, promises to be a momentous gathering, uniting political, business, and philanthropic leaders in support of health initiatives that Young himself values deeply.
As war rages on between Israel and Hamas, Young finds himself reflecting on the lessons learned through his tumultuous history with the region. His storied past, including his tenure as Ambassador to the U.N. under President Jimmy Carter, has shaped his diplomatic career and shaped his views on global peace efforts. With the ongoing violence in Gaza, those lessons are more pertinent than ever.
A Life Shaped by Peace
From his childhood in New Orleans to his activism alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Andrew Young’s life has been one devoted to justice and equality. Yet, his pivotal moments didn’t stop there. Young’s tenure at the United Nations is particularly noteworthy, especially in light of his controversial 1979 meeting with Zehdi Labib Terzi, the Palestine Liberation Organization’s U.N. observer. This meeting marked a bold attempt by Young to create a diplomatic bridge between Palestine and Israel. However, it was cut short by political pressure, a move that would alter the course of his diplomatic career.
“That was a very difficult time for me,” Young said, reflecting on the episode. “But my hope then, as it is now, was always about finding common ground. The world has to learn to live together, even in times of disagreement. We cannot allow violence to be our solution.”
The lessons Young learned during his time at the U.N. resonate today, as conflict between Israel and Palestine continues to shape global geopolitics. His efforts, though controversial, were never about taking sides but about creating a lasting peace.
The Struggles and Strides Toward Middle East Peace
Young’s experiences have shown him firsthand the difficulty of navigating the complex Middle Eastern political landscape. Whether it was during his time as a U.N. diplomat or later when he worked as a political envoy, Young has witnessed the toll that violence and division have on the people of the region.
“We see the headlines every day,” he noted. “People dying, families torn apart, hope vanishing. It’s a tragedy, no matter what side of the fence you’re on.”
In his years of working toward peace, Young never shied away from the most difficult conversations. His outreach to Palestinian leadership was just one example. While he acknowledged the deep-seated tensions between Israel and Palestine, Young’s focus remained resolute: find a solution where both parties could move forward in a way that didn’t sacrifice the dignity of the other.
“You can’t negotiate with people you don’t talk to,” Young often says. His history, deeply rooted in the civil rights movement, has made him a firm believer in the power of dialogue over violence.
The Road Ahead: Is Peace Still Possible?
At 93, Young’s reflections on the Middle East seem more urgent than ever. With the escalation of violence in Gaza, one might wonder if his dream for peace is still achievable. While Young remains hopeful, he’s also realistic about the future. “Peace is not something you can force. It’s something you build, brick by brick,” he said. “It takes time, and it takes trust. Right now, there isn’t enough of either.”
In his recent conversations with other political figures, including former U.N. ambassadors and leaders from both Israel and Palestine, Young has consistently championed for renewed peace talks. The key, he believes, is mutual respect. “Without respect for each other’s rights, peace will remain an elusive dream,” he remarked.
However, Young remains cautiously optimistic. He continues to believe that, one day, the dreams he once fought for—both in the civil rights movement and the Middle East—might come true. He speaks of the lessons learned from history, hoping that future generations will carry that torch forward.
A Diverse Gathering of Atlanta’s Leaders
The Forever Young gala will also serve as a reminder of Young’s profound impact on Atlanta’s political landscape. The evening will feature a gathering of Atlanta’s mayors, both past and present, including Andre Dickens, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Kasim Reed, Shirley Franklin, and Bill Campbell. Their presence underscores Young’s role not only in international diplomacy but also in shaping the city he once led.
During the gala, Young will be celebrated by close friends and colleagues for his contributions both to his community and to the world. His decades of service to the country, his humanitarian work, and his advocacy for peace and justice will continue to inspire leaders of all generations.
Young’s honor may come in the form of an elegant event, but his true legacy lies in the conversations he continues to spark—conversations about peace, reconciliation, and the value of unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
