Forward Thinking facilitate meetings between Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP and Pat Sheehan MLA in Palestine and Israel, 22nd – 25th August 2016

Forward Thinking facilitated a series of meetings for Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP (Democratic Unionist Party) and Pat Sheehan MLA (Sinn Fein) with Palestinian political figures of various affiliations. This included meetings with cross-party members of the Palestinian Legislative Council and academics in East Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron and Nablus, as well as meetings with Dr Sabri Saidam, Palestinian Minister of Education and Higher Education, and the Palestinian Prime Minister Dr Rami Hamdallah. This provided extensive opportunity to gain a first-hand insight into the current challenges facing the Palestinian people, including issues concerning the upcoming municipal elections and the rising tensions and perceived restrictions within the West Bank. It also allowed for Pat and Sir Jeffrey to share their experiences of the Northern Ireland conflict and peace process, and to explore its key themes with Palestinian political leaders from across the political spectrum.

Furthermore, meetings were also held with Israeli Knesset Members, political campaigners and activists from Likud and Hatenua, as well as with members of Israeli civil society. This allowed for an analysis to be gained concerning developments within Israel, including changing dynamics within the Knesset and the on-going implications these developments have with regard to the pursuit of peace. Again, it also provided valuable opportunity for Pat and Sir Jeffrey to share their experiences, discussing in detail the challenges, mistakes and achievements from the Irish context.