"Jerusalem and Israel-Palestine Peace: What Should President Obama Do?"

Danny Seidemann

February 7, 2009

Summary of His Presentation

Prepared by Jim Vitarello

Co-sponsored by:

• Foundation for Middle East Peace
• Americans for Peace Now
• Middle East Institute

1. Mr. Seideman is the foremost legal authority on Jerusalem and its geographic realities. He is an Israeli attorney who has represented numerous Palestinians who have land claims against the State of Israel or the Municipality of Jerusalem.

2. It has been very daunting and intimidating to be in DC following the Gaza war and after 8 years of Bush. But it is good to see so many high officials in the Obama Administration who are willing to listen to him provide this update on the status of Jerusalem and the big problems that are looming on the horizon if policies are not changed in the near future.

3. Adopting Aaron Miller’s and Rob Malley’s recent proposals to put the Israel-Palestine issue on a “back burner” is not “good enough” given the potential violence in E. Jerusalem.

4. Danny was able to read Olmert’s proposal to Abu Mazen and King Abdullah concerning the future status of E. Jerusalem. In addition to the usual discussion of “dividing” Jerusalem according to ethic neighborhoods, it also proposed that Temple Mount by governed by a new entity consisting of Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

5. Israelis have undergone a “cognitive transformation” on Jerusalem but this has not translated into a political action plan. What is missing is the political “platform” to make this happen. Most Israelis now accept that this should happen but have little hope that it will happen.

6. Facts on the ground in E. Jerusalem have not yet gone beyond a 2 state solution despite the surge in settlements that undermined the Annapolis peace process. But it is very close unless something dramatic is done to stop it. It is impossible to have a credible peace process while undermining peace on the ground with expanded settlements that prevents a viable Palestinian state from emerging.

7. If current trends continue, such a solution will be gone. For example, the E-1 planned project east of Jerusalem would cut off the north and south West Bank. However, even the Bush Administration managed to prevent Ariel Sharon from building on it, despite his fervent intent to do so. Bibi N. is committed to making E-1 a reality.

8. Even more disturbing is the 29 acre Silwan neighborhood adjacent to Temple Mount which has been historically Palestinian but right wing Jewish settlers and archeologists have begun excavating there in search of ancient Jewish buildings, including King David’s palace. This has been done with the open support of both the new ultra right wing Mayor of Jerusalem and the Israeli prime minister, who have granted these archeologists permits and funding to continuing their digs.

9. The mayor wants to build a tourist center in the heart of the neighborhood and has ordered the demolitions of dozens of Palestinian homes. He referred to this project to a mutual friend of his and Danny’s as a “Jewish Disneyland” theme park.

10. Silwan is a “deal breaker” for a 2 state solution. According to Danny: "turning Silwan into an extension of the Jewish Quarter of the Old City creates a whole new category of Palestinian refugees."  This, to use one of his favorite words, is "nitroglycerine."  The concept of refugee is more than just "displacement." It would be taken as an affront by the Arab and Muslim international communities. Jerusalem will erupt if these plans are not stopped in the near future!!!

11. It could also have profound ramifications outside of this conflict: For example, King Abdullah of Jordan could be “displaced” according to one of his own close advisors since he is seen by his people as the “keeper” of Jerusalem on behalf of the Muslim community.

12. There could be religious clashes around Jerusalem by extremist Jews, Muslims and Christians that would be very volatile and dangerous.

13. The influence of the White House on Israelis could be very important because President Obama can provide them with hope, which their own leaders sadly are unwilling or unable to do.

14. During his current visits on the Hill, he was surprised to hear senior Congressional leaders say things that have never been said before on this issue, which he attributes to President Obama’s fresh and positive initiatives on Middle East Peace.

15. Whether Hamas can be engaged remains uncertain and Bibi N. is still ahead in the polls. However, he will NOT challenge a popular US president such as Obama, at least for now.

16. I asked Danny what advice he would provide to Sen. Mitchell if he were his advisor:

• Prevent Silwan from “exploding” by freezing all excavations and demolitions.
• Send a strong message to Israel to open Orient House, the former PA headquarters in E. Jerusalem.
• Stop E-1 from moving forward with any new development.
• Begin planning for a future “shared” Jerusalem.
• Religious freedom should be strictly enforced, consistent with Israel’s real security needs, by allowing West Bank residents to visit holy sites in E. Jerusalem.
• Plans to build the Museum of Tolerance on the site of a very historic Muslim cemetery should be changed to another less contentious site. This is yet another potential explosive project if implemented.
  
  

17. A zero sum game is the old paradigm and no longer applies to Jerusalem. Both Jews and Muslims can “win” by sharing the city. Religious leaders in both I-P and the US need to take a more assertive role in this issue and NOT allow the extremists in their respective religions to dominate the debate. Mainline Christians especially need to take a more “middle ground” position by challenging Christian Zionists on the right and the extreme left who demonize Israel continuously.

18. "This is not 'tough love' for Israel - it's friends not letting friends drive drunk."