On Friday, March 17, around 2000 Israelis & Palestinians from all walks of life came to Rabin Square to discuss, debate, and negotiate the conditions for an effective peace process. The negotiations were conducted around 40 tables plus a plenary one. This unique event was another significant step towards the establishment of a major Israeli-Palestinian Public Negotiating Congress with political influence.

On Friday morning, hundreds of Palestinians from the West Bank arrived on 17 buses in order to negotiate peace with the Israeli public. The negotiations were fascinating and challenging. At over 30 tables, the negotiators succeeded in concluding agreements, which included: a general statement, trust-building measures, and an agreement on the desired solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The congress demonstrated that the people on both sides are tired and wish to end the conflict by peaceful means. However, one event, as impressive as it is, cannot make a change.

The Congress of the People initiative needs to be institutionalized. It needs to create a momentum for the establishment of a major Israeli-Palestinian Public Negotiating Congress - peacemaking and peace-building institution that operates for a period of time and attracts the attention of the media, the public, and the international community.

The dedicated team at Minds of Peace is working tirelessly to achieve this goal.

Best Regards,

Dr. Sapir Handelman

For more information: Minds of Peace: 058-5578066; peace.public@gmail.com; Facebook