Edward Shihadeh's forum makes many suggestions as to what an Israel Awareness Week should entail.

He views the Piece of Peace program as "insensitive and totally inappropriate."

As Israel task force chairperson for NETWORK (North American Jewish Students Union), it was my proposal to write a program for the tenth year anniversary of the signing of the Camp David peace treaty.

Under the direction of Rochelle Louderback, this program was formulated with the intentions of a day of peace.

The main purpose of the "cake cutting ceremony" was to promote the huge steps Israel has taken in the past ten years to remain at peace with Egypt.

In accordance with this proposal, I felt it would unite Egyptian, Palestinian, and Isaeli students together to recognize a common achievement.

This proposal was also sent to Egyptian and Israeli groups on college campuses nation-wide to simultaneously participate in the event.

In reference to this week being solely a "celebration of peace," Mr. Shihadeh is quite mistaken.

Israel Awareness Week was just that -- to make students aware on the subject of Israel.

The piece of peace project was one event commemorating the memorable decision in the peace process.

I find it hard to believe that Edward Shihadeh believes that there is no potential for a solution to the Middle East crisis.

To reiterate my point, the Camp David Accords show the ability of both sides to communicate.

Yes, it is obvious that we cannot overlook the uprising in Israel today.

We, as members of Yachad, are not trying to downplay the the current death toll in the territories.

We planned a day to bring peace to Penn State; to display the achievements that Israel has made with the help of Egypt.

We are sorry if you felt the program was "peculiar and disturbing."

Yachad was proud to participate in the piece of peace program to remember the triumph of ten years ago and to promote hope the future.