Anwar El Sadat

Content created by Virtual Intern Bridget Raymundo

Anwar El Sadat served as the third President of Egypt from 1970 until his assassination in 1981. During his time as President, Sadat introduced greater political freedom and a new economic policy to Egypt.

Sadat grew up in Egypt under British rule and advocated for dialogue and building relations between countries for peace. In the early 1950s, he and several others overthrew the ruling monarchy in Egypt. In 1966, Sadat participated in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP). It was the first opportunity that allowed Sadat to see the United States and Americans at home.

In 1977, President Sadat addressed the Knesset, Israel's legislature, where he spoke directly to the Israeli government on the need for peace. In 1978, he signed the Camp David Accords, which outlined a historic peace agreement with Israel, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize that same year.

In December 2018, the former Egyptian president was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for leading Egypt to peace with Israel. President Anwar El Sadat's peace efforts and mastery of diplomacy made history and remain relevant to this day.