OneVoice Leads Israeli Delegation Visit with President Abbas and Palestinian Officials in Ramallah

TEL AVIV, Israel and RAMALLAH, Palestine, Aug. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The OneVoice Movement, an international grassroots movement promoting a two-state solution and an end to the conflict and occupation, will lead a delegation of Israeli parliamentarians from the Caucus for Ending the Israeli-Arab Conflict to the Palestinian Authority's headquarters in Ramallah to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday, September 3, at 1 pm (local time). Earlier today, Samer Makhlouf, Executive Director of OneVoice Palestine, and Tal Harris, Executive Director of OneVoice Israel, issued the following statements:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120428/DC96873LOGO-b)

Statement by Samer Makhlouf:
"The Caucus for Ending the Israeli-Arab Conflict is a collaborative effort of the parliament and civil society from its very inception, championed by OneVoice. These negotiations represent a step in the right direction, but we are still dealing with a series of complex issues. As we approach the September 3 meeting, my fellow Palestinians call on the Israeli people to understand why the status quo must change. Reaching a substantive agreement can only be achieved through ending the occupation, creating a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and solving the final status issues according to international resolutions. As we welcome our visitors we look forward to reaching a mutual spirit of compromise and understanding, which is a goal we share."

Statement by Tal Harris:
"This unprecedented visit, orchestrated by the OneVoice Movement, takes place during a significant time, a day before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, a time representing a new beginning and the need to forgive past wrongdoings. Last month, a group of committed activists enabled an historic event to take place in the Knesset with a PLO-endorsed delegation, visiting the day after official talks began. By taking part in this follow up meeting in Ramallah with President Abbas, we are fulfilling our Movement's promise to continue amplifying the voices of pragmatism against the voices of extremism, and in favor of meaningful outcomes for these negotiations: an end to the conflict and finality of all claims. These efforts are essential to a future of peace and security of the people of Israel."

About OneVoice:
OneVoice is an international grassroots movement that aims to amplify the voice of Israeli and Palestinian moderates, empowering them to demand a two-state solution and an end to the conflict and occupation. The Movement supports the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. We believe that the 1967 borders with minor land swaps, a freeze in settlement activity, and the maintaining of security for both peoples are an essential basis for success. OneVoice also educates and trains Israeli and Palestinian youth in leadership skills, non-violent activism, and democratic principles. You can follow OneVoice on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

SOURCE The OneVoice Movement