On February 19th 2009, Mr. Al Zaeem met U.S. Senator John Kerry, the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during his trip to the Gaza Strip.  Senator Kerry toured the site of the demolished American International School in Gaza (AISG), which was leveled by Israeli attacks during Operation Cast Lead in January.  Initially, Mr. Al Zaeem met with Senator Kerry as the legal advisor and member of the school board for AISG, following which, Mr. Kerry asked for a longer meeting with Mr. Al Zaeem. In-depth discussions focused on the politics and general situation in the Gaza Strip, as well as potential approaches to improving the current situation. Senator Kerry requested that Mr. Al Zaeem convey a verbal message to the leaders of Hamas, to which Mr. Al Zaeem is awaiting a response.   

We believe such an important visit carries meaning for the future role of the United States in Palestine, as well as conveying a valuable message to all stakeholders.

Below please find some links to the media reports regarding this meeting. 

http://www.nj.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/international-47/1235050191102330.xml&storylist=topstories&thispage=2

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090219/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_us_gaza

 http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/world/11039950.asp?scr=1

 http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=1306674

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29278891/displaymode/1176/rstry/29280544/

http://panet.co.il/online/articles/1/5/S-179546,1,5.html

 http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gOF0n_LTErkVvM4jse6ELJUOEMig

http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/19/mideast/19mideastcnd-kerry.php

http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/02/john-kerry-keith-ellison-visit-gaza-to.html

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100862303

http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=1306674

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/20/world/middleeast/20mideast.html?ref=world

http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-US&family=editorial&p=gaza&assetType=image&ebd=2009-02-14&src=quick#