He was like his name: Yehudi (a Jew in Hebrew). The kind of Jew already extinct in Israel. A Jew in the best tradition of past generations: a humanitarian, an honest man who hated violence. Like Albert Einstein, like Sigmund Freud, like Martin Buber. A carrier of "the Jewish Genius" in the best sense of the word, for the good of all of humankind.

Three years ago, when we gathered signatures from prominent personalities on a manifesto in support of a United Jerusalem as a common capital for both the State of Israel and the State of Palestine, I approached Yehudi Menuhin with great reverence, to ask him whether he would be willing to sign the proclamation, even though he did not know me. His response was prompt and generous: "Your name is (underlined) familiar to me and I hasten to add my name to your statement... May we be prepared to give with a full heart what we would expect to receive. Let us be prepared for reverses on the way, but let us pursue our goal, unhesitatingly." I was impressed by the signature, spanning the entire width of the page.

I was reminded of this a month ago, when, once again, we were gathering signatures from prominent personalities on a manifesto which stated, "WE SUPPORT the right of the Palestinian nation to declare the establishment of the State of Palestine in all the territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with united Jerusalem serving as the capital for both states -- West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. The co-existence of Israel and Palestine, side by side, is the basis of peace, security and reconciliation between the two nations." Again I turned to him.

His response was prompt: "Dear Mr. Avnery... I have allowed myself to suggest a slightly different wording... I do not know if you agree. I fully realize that at the present time the feelings of fear, of hate, of mistrust, an 'independent' Palestine would at least momentarily satisfy the cravings of the Palestinian people and would no doubt spell a relief in Israel.

"My own very personal feeling is that the establishment of two states is, in fact, a recipe for a postponed war. I know the euphoria that accompanies a declaration of independence, whether in Senegal, India, Israel and so many smaller states, but within a few years the hard reality asserts itself. Jerusalem would be, as you indicate, the first bone of contention, an outlet to the sea is a second, the sharing of waters is a third; another is Israel's constant determination to keep the neighboring rival state weak. All these conditions will provide sufficient ground for lasting enmity.

"You are right in stressing that a united Jerusalem must serve as capital for both states. On the other hand, the Jewish population, many of whom would like to get rid of the Palestinian problem, will be the very ones that hope to do so by excluding the Palestinians permanently from Jerusalem. I would like to know what you feel, but of course I subscribe to the United Jerusalem.

"The following is the wording I would suggest:

"WE SUPPORT the right of the Palestinian people to a United Jerusalem serving as the capital of both and all people dwelling in the Holy Land. The coexistence and friendly cooperation of Jewish and Muslim peoples is the only basis for peace, security and the sorely needed reconciliation between the two cultures."

This time too, he signed with a broad and confident full signature.

I replied to him in a lengthy letter. It was, of course, not possible to change the wording of the manifesto after 440 Israelis had already signed it. "The vision of a common state in Palestine -- bi-national.multi-national or supra-national -- is indeed very appealing...(But) it seems to me that a dramatic change from a total 100-years-old conflict to a state of total peace is impossible. It would demand too much of human nature as its present state of development. A great prophet, a new Moses, Jesus or Muhammed, could perhaps achieve this, but rare spiritual leaders of this stature do not come on order."

I added that "there must be an interim stage, perhaps lasting for a generation, in which the craving for national symbols, pride and dignity must be satisfied. Without those, the Palestinian people would feel that they have been robbed of something every other nation has been granted. Also, with the present immense preponderance of Israel in all economic, technological and social fields, a joint state may well turn, at this stage, into a new replica of the old South Africa.

"The two states - Israel and Palestine - living side-by-side, with an intimate relationship imposed on them by geography and economics, might slowly create a feeling of equality and confidence which is a necessary foundation for any step forward. The sheer necessity of working together, in order to create new water resources, for example, might be beneficial. I hope that the two states will quickly grow together, on the European model..."

Menuhin replied to this in a short message by fax: "I do agree with what you say, but how are we going to handle the interim period with two states? One Jerusalem, however, would already be a blessing."

The signature was different this time: "Yehudi Menuhin. Dictated by Lord Menuhin and signed in his absence."

The letter was dated March 2, 1999. Maybe it was his last letter. Ten days later the great Jew passed away.