Ambassador David Hale's Remarks
ATFP Sixth Annual Gala
October 19, 2011

Thank you for the opportunity to say a few words.  Thank you, Ziad, for the kind introduction and thank you, Prime Minister Fayyad, for joining us this evening.   Your remarkable leadership and vision have been critical in laying the necessary institutional foundations of a future Palestinian state. We greatly look forward to your remarks.

I am personally pleased to be here, for what is a celebration of the dynamic role played by Palestinian Americans in contributing to the richness of our culture, the creativity of our performing arts, and the vitality of our democracy.

It is in this spirit that the American Task Force on Palestine plays a critical role in advancing the cause of peace.  As Secretary Clinton emphasized when she spoke here last year, the ATFP’s mission is quintessentially American, and, Ziad, your leadership has made this mission a reality.

By bringing together Palestinian Americans from all over the country and all walks of life to express their views and help shape the national debate, it is making an invaluable contribution to our country and our tradition of active citizenship.

Now, I’m pleased to be able to relay Secretary Clinton’s greetings to you and would like to read a message from her to you.