Speaking at an APN luncheon to honor APN activist and Jewish community leader Irwin Levin, Berman (D-CA) said: "throughout my nearly three decades in Congress, and now as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I have been preoccupied with issues involving Israel's security and Middle East peace. I made my first congressional trip to Israel in 1983. It was then that I began to discern the primary problem Israel would have to face if it maintains its rule over the West Bank and Gaza. Either it would eventually have to rule over a disenfranchised Palestinian majority, or if it enfranchises the Palestinians Israel would eventually cease to be Jewish. I call it the demography-democracy problem. I knew I wanted Israel as a Jewish homeland to be a democracy. That was 1983." 

Berman continued: "Over the years, I discovered two things: first, I learned that there were indeed many Palestinians who were prepared to accept Israel and who genuinely believe in coexistence. Second, I discovered the immense toll the occupation is taking on Israel."  

Rep. Berman praised APN for its commitment to the cause of Middle East peace. "I admire and share your firm commitment to peace," Chairman Berman said. He added: "APN is among the most reliable and valuable sources of information about the peace process, especially regarding Israeli settlements in the West Bank." Berman said that he respects APN, among other reasons, because "unlike some on the left who come to their positions because they do not really care about Israel's survival and security, APN comes to its positions because it does care." Berman said: "I look forward to continuing my close relationship with APN," he said. "both when in agreement and otherwise. For many years, APN has been an informative and creative partner in Middle East policy debate. I'll continue to be intimately involved with you in that discussion."