Palestinian president meets with French-Jewish community members. On Sunday, September 26, President Mahmoud Abbas was greeted warmly in Paris, France for a meeting with 20 well-known and concerned members of the French-Jewish community. Among them were journalists Jean-Pierre Elkabbach and Ruth Elkrief, as well as professor and philosopher Alain Finkielkraut. The president spoke frankly about the need for the ban on Israeli construction in Palestinian territory to continue so that the Israeli-Palestinian peace process can advance smoothly. Following the meeting, Mr. Finkielkraut stated that he was touched by the Palestinian president’s sincerity, saying, “President Abbas spoke to us about his desire for a negotiated deal, of his willingness to pass from a culture of violence to a culture of peace.”

Our respectful appreciation, President Abbas, for your efforts to foster further understanding among Palestinians and the global Jewish community. May the day come soon when Israeli and Palestinian brethren co-exist in peace, for a harmony that extends throughout the Middle East and the world.