FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) traveled recently to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza with Representatives Brian Baird (D-WA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and the New America Foundation. 

“It was a privilege to have the opportunity to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza with Rep. Baird, Rep. Welch, and the New America Foundation to further my understanding of the situation in the region,” said Rep. Edwards.  “The safety and security of people in the region is of paramount importance.  I saw firsthand the current conditions in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza – one of the most critical national security challenges facing the United States – and met with a variety of people throughout the region who share a wide range of views.  By reading the newspaper, watching television, and above all talking to people, I was struck by the incredible range of dialogue that occurs in Israel on issues of peace and security – a breadth of dialogue that we need in the United States.

“All too frequently, these issues are seen as black and white.   This over-simplified approach does not reflect realities on the ground among Israelis and Palestinians.  It was important and interesting to hear Jewish settlers speak of the passion they have and the deep connection they feel to the land.  Equally important and interesting was hearing similar passions expressed by Palestinians.   Understanding the deeply held beliefs on both sides is at the crux of understanding and solving this conflict.

“I applaud President Obama’s speech in Cairo as an important step to strengthen our national security, return the U.S. as a leader in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, and begin to build a lasting relationship with the Muslim world.  I share particularly the President’s position that Israel’s right to exist and be safe is matched only by the Palestinian’s right to dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own. From Israel to the West Bank to Gaza, it is evident that most people want our President to lead in this opportunity for a lasting peace.  I commend President Obama for his leadership and I urge him to continue to press for a solution that will resolve this conflict and increase the safety of Americans, Israelis, and Palestinians alike. ”

Among the numerous meetings that Congresswoman Edwards and the delegation participated in included:

• Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intelligence and Atomic Energy, MK Dan Meridor
• MK Tzipi Livini and other MKs from the Kadima Party
• Senior Labor Party MKs, MK Amir Peretz, former Defense Minister, MK Yuli Tamir, former Minister of Education
• United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) in Gaza
• MK Ahmad Tibi, Leader of Ra'am Ta'al party (United Arab List party)
• Dani Dayan, Chairman of the Yesha Council of Settlers in Judea and Samaria
• Israeli peace NGOs
• Israeli and Palestinian business and civil society leaders 
  For a complete itinerary, please see below.

“Now is the time for our nation to take a leadership role in achieving a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is in the national security interests of both the United States, Israel, and the region,” continued Rep. Edwards.  “The status quo is not acceptable and a lack of progress will lead to a further deterioration of the current situation.  I am pleased I had the opportunity to meet with on-the-ground experts, past and present Israeli and Palestinian government officials, and community and business leaders from an array of backgrounds.  This experience has deepened my understanding of the conflict.  I invite constituents to a town hall meeting in my district in the coming weeks to share my experiences and insights from the trip, to discuss current events facing the region, and to engage in the kind of constructive dialogue and work that President Obama has set forth.”

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