The man best known for coordinating the 1994 peace accord between Israel and Jordan painted a promising picture for current events in Israel.

"We are entering a new era and window of opportunity," said Uri Palti, Israeli consul general of the mid-Atlantic United States last night.

Palti spoke about the current situation in Israel to about 40 students last night in 100 Life Sciences Building.

Penn State Hillel sponsored Palti to speak to students about the situation between the Israelis and Palestinians in the Middle East, saying that events are once again in a negotiation phase.

"When Yasser Arafat died we were afraid of terrorist factions fighting, but it didn't happen," he said. "The uprising is dying down, and we are back into the situation of negotiating with the Palestinians."

He also compared the Israel of today with that of a few years ago.

"In 2002 we thought twice about sending kids to the malls because of suicide bombers," he said. "We should seize this unique moment of heading towards a better future."

Palti expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for its help in the Israeli/Palestinian affair, calling American aid "crucial."

"The major role of America is as a peace broker in the Middle East," he said. "American has a bipartisan policy of administration to enhance the prospect of peace in the Middle East and the people of that region are thankful."

Palti ended his speech with "good news" about the conflict in Israel.

"After four very difficult years there is finally an indication of growth of economy and tourism," he said. "Since last August you can hardly find a hotel room available in Tel Aviv."

Palti spoke directly to the students, asking them to continue to contribute to the Middle Eastern cause.

"You are the next leadership of America," he said. "We know to appreciate your role in establishing Israel."

Ethan Henshell, vice president of Penn State Students for Israel, said he left the meeting more informed about recent events in the Middle East.

"I thought he was very clear on Israel's ultimate goal and provided a real, true, yet optimistic view on these issues," he said.

Hillel Director Tuvia Abramson ended the speech by asking students to celebrate the recent developments in Israel.

"I think we should celebrate today that we have arrived at a movement forward," he said. "Let's leave with the understanding that the way to achieve peace is to move on."

Abramson is a friend of Palti and persuaded him to talk to the students about "the importance of looking forward."

"Our director has developed a friendship with him and he finally had room in his schedule to come," Ross Diamond (senior-information sciences and technology) said.

"We want people to hear a personal update of what's going on in the Middle East," Diamond added.