Abbas delivers message of peace to Israeli students
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' speech to 300 visiting Israeli students mark another attempt to ease Israeli concerns about a peace deal.
When Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas met with 300 Israeli university students in Ramallah on Feb. 16, he accomplished more than one goal. He simultaneously sent a powerful message of peace to the Israeli public while indicating to his own people, and the region as a whole, the areas where Palestinian negotiators are willing to compromise.
The visit, which had been planned for last December but was postponed for logistical reasons, was organized by One Voice, an international organization whose mission is to “amplify the voices of Palestinians and Israelis.” The students chosen to attend were selected from 1,000 applicants who had written essays about why they would like to meet with the Palestinian leader.
