Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, Page 46

Arab-American Activism

ATFP Fourth Annual Gala

National Security Adviser Gen. James L. Jones was the keynote speaker at the Fourth Annual Gala of the American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) held Oct. 15 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington, DC. Dr. Hussein Ibish emceed the event, headlined “Palestine Alongside Israel: Liberty, Security, Prosperity,” attended by more than 650 people, including members of Congress, current and former senior administration officials, ministers and ambassadors, prominent policy analysts, journalists and noted Palestinian and Arab Americans. The audience gave General Jones a standing ovation after he emphasized the Obama administration’s commitment to establishing a Palestinian state and moving forward with peace talks.

“We are clear, unambiguous and consistent,” stated General Jones. “The time has come to relaunch negotiations without preconditions to reach a final status agreement on two states.” He called for “a viable, independent and contiguous Palestine that ends the occupation that began in 1967 and realizes and unleashes the full potential of the Palestinian people.” The national security adviser added that “President Obama’s dedication to achieve these goals is unshaken, that he is committed, and that he will be relentless in the pursuit of achieving these dreams for our people, for the Palestinians and for the Israelis alike.”

Ending the conflict and the occupation is essential, Jones said, because what is at stake is “nothing less than the dignity and the security of all human beings...We must move beyond talking about talks and get to the hard work of addressing the core issues that separate Israelis and Palestinians.”

In his introduction of General Jones, ATFP President Ziad J. Asali praised the national security adviser’s “profound grasp of the integral relationship between politics, security and economic development, and his fairness in being able to see the perspectives, and understand the requirements, of both Israel and the Palestinians.” Dr. Asali concluded by stating, “The occupation simply must end.”

ATFP honored three prominent Palestinian Americans, including Dr. Najat Arafat Khelil, who came to the U.S. on a Fulbright Scholarship to study physics at Ohio State University. There she met her Algerian-born husband, Chakib Khelil, who was studying mining engineering, and she stayed to research and teach nuclear physics. Dr. Najat Khelil was honored for the countless hours she has devoted to conflict resolution.

Prof. Shibley Telhami, who is the Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland, College Park, was honored for his analyses and effective use of public opinion polls in the Arab world.

The renowned cardiologist Dr. Fuad Jubran, born in Lydda, Palestine, was honored for his commitment to the education and training of young Arabs and Americans.

ATFP also presented a Special Recognition Commemorating 20 Years of U.S.-Palestinian diplomacy to Ambassador Robert H. Pelletreau, who initiated the first formal contacts with the PLO two decades ago. The head of the PLO mission to the United States, Ambassador Maen Areikat, read a letter of support and commendation from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Palestinian American stand-up comedian/actress Maysoon Zayid delighted the audience with news that she is engaged to Basil, whom she met in Gaza. He recently joined her in America (thanks to the efforts of Maysoon’s senator, whom she dubbed her “Jewish godfather,” Frank Lautenberg [D-NJ], who managed to get her fiancé out of Gaza.) Her comedy routine poked fun at the changes in her life and, as usual, brought gales of laughter to her viewers.

There was also a silent auction of crafts, antique maps, David Roberts lithographs, manuscripts and paintings, including a limited edition print of Helen Zughaib’s “Midnight Prayers.” Her original painting was gifted to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki by President Obama. For more information, including General Jones’ superlative speech, visit: <www.americantaskforce.org>.

—Delinda C. Hanley