“When it comes to military power, Pretoria has the upper hand. When it comes to moral ground of universal justice, we the ANC have the upper hand. Ultimately, justice will prevail.” He looked at us smilingly and said: “Indeed, justice prevailed.”

We in Israel have fought for our liberation from colonialism as well. We are a shining triumph over evil powers of the old world. However, tragically the world Mandela inspires never accepted Israel in the pantheon of victory over colonialism. On the contrary, it is itself considered a colonial power, denying liberation to Palestine by means of entrenched occupation and military might.

Conspicuously, Israel failed to send a high powered delegation to Pretoria for the funeral. The pretext was the high cost of security arrangements required for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s overseas travels. However, Mandela was the standard bearer of liberty and dignity for all. We are a nation still bedeviled by the denial of liberty and dignity to our Palestinian neighbors, a nation about which Mandela was quoted saying “we know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

It is certain that in the coming years, streets, avenues and squares in the capital cities the world over will be named after Mandela. All but one: Jerusalem. Let us pray for a just peace that will allow a Mandela Square in our capital city as well.