Editor,

RE: "We are coming back to Africa for stronger ties, says Israeli premier” (The New Times, July 5).

This is wonderful news. Rwanda and Israel have much in common. Both countries suffered the horrors of genocide (Rwandans) and holocaust (Jews) – just two separate words to describe the attempt to exterminate a specific group of people.

And after those attempts, both countries saw a great migration of persecuted people back to their homeland.

Most importantly, in spite of very challenging circumstances, both countries have prospered and moved forward and stand as testimonies of what can happen with strong leadership and hard-working people.

God bless Rwanda and Israel as they continue to be bright lights in areas of the world where there is so much darkness.

Eugene