The Union of Progressive Zionists’ “We Can’t Wait ‘08″ campaign was one of a number of initiatives from the Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace movement that called on then President-elect Obama to actively engage in Middle East diplomacy from the start of his administration. And we are thrilled he listened!

For not only did President Obama phone the Egyptian, Palestinian, Israeli and Jordanian leaders to discuss the situation in Gaza, he also appointed Senator George Mitchell as our new high-profile, balanced and credible Middle East envoy. As Mr. Mitchell is the seasoned diplomat behind the Good Friday agreement in Northern Ireland and author of the 2001 Mitchell Report on Israeli-Palestinian violence, he is no stranger to diplomacy nor the Middle East and we welcome his appointment.

But as grateful as we are, there remains much more work to be done. We at UPZ are more prepared than ever before to continue our advocacy efforts to build popular support for an Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution, but this won’t happen without your continued involvement.

We’re grateful for President Obama’s hard work on this issue and wish to thank him for his efforts. We also invite you to check the most recent initiatives and statements from other members of the Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace movement:

Sign J Street’s “Thank You” Letter to President Obama
Watch Brit Tzedek’s 1000 Rabbis for Peace Video
Read the Americans for Peace Now statement about the George Mitchell’s appointment
Read the Israel Policy Forum statement about the George Mitchell’s appointment