On June 18, 2009, the American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) hosted Ir Amim director, attorney, and esteemed Jerusalem expert Daniel Seidemann for a lunch discussion with ATFP board members and supporters. Mr. Seidemann’s visit was sponsored by Americans for Peace Now.
Mr. Seidemann focused on recent developments in Jerusalem that have to potential to prejudge the outcome of permanent status negotiations. He stressed that if these development are not urgently addressed, they could transform the conflict from a difficult but resolvable political one into an intractable religious conflict with wide regional and global ramifications.
Mr. Seidemann noted a renewed energy and receptivity within the Washington DC foreign policy community whether within the Administration or the Congress. He expressed hope that a sustained US engagement in the peace process could create what might be the last opportunity to achieve a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He urged all sides, whether Israelis, Palestinians, or Arabs to make use of this unique opening.
ATFP President Dr. Ziad Asali welcomed Mr. Seidemann's comments and echoed his sense of hope and urgency. "It is encouraging to hear such commitment from our Israeli partners," he said. He added that "only a partnership of committed Palestinian, Israeli and American individuals and groups can lead us to an end of the conflict".