Ramallah, West Bank—Seven members of UPF-Israel’s Jerusalem Peace and Security Forum were hosted in Ramallah in the West Bank by seven official representatives of the Palestinian Authority’s Committee for Interaction with Israeli Society. The meeting took place on April 26, 2017, and was organized with support from and was attended by former member of the Knesset (Israel’s parliament), Hon. Taleb el-Sana, who currently is an advisor to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
The meeting opened with welcoming remarks given by Hon. el-Sana and the chair of the Committee, Mr. Muhammad Al-Madani, who asked UPF-Israel’s president, Mr. Hod Ben Zvi, to also give remarks.
In a polite and quiet atmosphere of listening (not always agreeing), a serious conversation took place. Representatives of both sides offered their sincere efforts to and suggestions for bridging the gap between the two peoples, the Israelis and Palestinians, and pointed to optional political solutions.
Dr. Mahmoud al-Habash, who is chief justice of the Palestinian courts, was also present, as well as a number of former ministers of the Palestinian Authority, who attended part of the meeting.
After two hours of conversation, the hosting side invited the Israeli delegates for lunch, where more free conversations could take place, and personal relationships could develop.
At the end, everyone agreed to meet again to further develop relations.
During a break, the group met shortly with Mr. Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestine Olympic Committee.