(NEWS) Palestinians Seek New Partner: US Jews

"PA President Abbas is guest of honor at dinner with small but influential gathering of over 30 Jewish American leaders, political heavyweights. Officials say successful meeting reflects realization that courting American Jews could benefit Palestinians

The Palestinians have long feared the Jewish lobby in Washington. Now, they are embracing it.

During a swing through the US capital this month, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was the guest of honor at a dinner with a small but influential gathering of more than 30 Jewish American leaders and political heavyweights.

In what participants on both sides have described as a highly successful meeting, Abbas patiently fielded questions for more than 90 minutes, discussing such touchy topics as Mideast peace talks, anti-Israeli incitement in the Palestinian media, violence and terrorism and the Holocaust."