Rachel Feinmesser, an Israeli consul, told a group of about 30 people yesterday that Israel's primary goal is to achieve peace with Palestine.

Feinmesser talked about the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine, the recent election of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and the portrayal of Israel by the media.

She was born in Israel and served in the Israeli Defense Forces for three years. Feinmesser became consul at the Consulate General of Israel in Philadelphia last year. The consulate, a division of the United States embassy, serves a large jurisdictional area that includes Pennsylvania.

Feinmesser gave a brief history of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, largely involving disputes over Jerusalem.

"Jerusalem is a holy land for both groups," she said.

The struggle has incited years of violence. Casualties occur on both sides daily. Feinmesser said Israel has tried repeatedly to negotiate with the Palestinians, including meetings in Norway and Camp David, Md.

"We proposed, we presented as much as we can. We didn't get anything in return," she said.

The gathering included members of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, and the Penn State Israeli Political Action Committee.

Marc Herzog (sophomore-international politics) is chairperson for PSIPAC. He said he asked Feinmesser to come to Penn State because he wanted students to be able to pose questions about the current situation in Israel. Although at Penn State it's easy to become detached from the conflict, students should be concerned, he said.

"We are future heads of corporations and politicians," Herzog said. "We're the future of America. This does effect us."

Stacie Demel (senior-biology), said she attended the meeting to learn more about the situation. She traveled to Jerusalem over winter break primarily to learn about the foundations of Judaism, but returned home with a new interest in the politics of the area.

"Once you learn about what's going on, it's hard not to be concerned," she said.

Israel is also dealing with domestic problems, Feinmesser said. A recent change in voting laws has allowed several parties to have seats in the Israeli parliament. Differences among the parties has slowed progress and often shifted focus from peace talks with Palestine.

Feinmesser also addressed the negative image Israel often receives in the media.

"The world looks at Israel all the time as the aggressor," Joshua Laikin (junior-political science) said.

Demel said she felt safe during her travels to the area.

"I think everyone is biased," she said. "What you see on the news it not what Israel is like."

Feinmesser wants the media to know Israel is working hard to negotiate.

"Peace is the only solution," she said.

Peace won't be achieved in a short time, Feinmesser said, but she thinks an agreement can be reached within the next several years.

"I'm an optimist," she said. "I think most Israelis are. You cannot live in this region without being an optimist."