Page 106 - How We Lead Matters

Doing My Part

A few years ago, while attending the World Economic Forum’s annual meet-
ing in Davos, Switzerland, I received an urgent summons from a fellow
attendee who was requesting a private meeting.
The message was from former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres. The
topic was how we could move toward a more peaceful Middle East and what
part I—and my company—might play.
I had met with the prime minister once before at an aviation and travel
industry dinner with former PLO leader Yasser Arafat. They were issuing a
joint invitation to the world to visit Bethlehem and Jerusalem at the start of
the new millennium. My role was to introduce the two leaders, who seldom
shared a stage.
This time, the prime minister would introduce me—to his brilliant
dream. “Marilyn,” he said. “We will achieve peace in the Middle East, and
when we do, we are counting on your industry to help keep the peace by
bringing the tourism that will provide the employment and hope for young
people who otherwise will be susceptible to other forces.”
Then he looked at me with penetrating eyes and said, “Marilyn, it’s
either tourism or terrorism.”
I have always felt privileged to be associated with an industry that raises
living standards and provides entry-level jobs as well as lifetime careers. As
the prime minister reminded me that day, its contribution is even greater.
Through the continuing exposure facilitated by the tourism industry to oth-
ers of different cultural, religious, and political backgrounds, there is hope
that we can chip away at the hatred and prejudice that separate us. There’s
work to be done.

Marilyn Carlson Nelson 89