in 1968, Sheinbaum ran for the United States Congress in Santa Barbara on a peace platform, but was unsuccessful both times. Daniel Ellsberg defense In 1971, Sheinbaum was asked by activist "Ping" Ferry to help organize the Daniel Ellsberg Pentagon Papers defense team. He helped assemble the team of attorneys and became the main fundraiser and spokesperson, raising nearly one million dollars from over 25,000 contributors. He was joined in this effort by other wealthy Jewish men; later, the group became known as the Malibu Mafia. Arafat agreement Along with the Palestinian Intifada, Sheinbaum assembled a team of Jews to meet with Yasir Arafat to persuade him to disavow terrorism and recognize Israel's right to exist. Anticipating that Arafat would question his credentials, Sheinbaum first held a meeting with then-National Security Advisor of the United States Colin Powell, explaining the situation. Five days later, Sheinbaum received a letter from President Ronald Reagan stating that if Arafat would fulfill his promises, the United States would "be responsive". Sheinbaum presented the Reagan letter to Arafat during their initial meeting, and an agreement was reached. Arafat intended to discuss the agreement in front of the United Nations, but then-Secretary of State George Shultz rejected Arafat's visa request. In response, the entire UN Assembly flew to Geneva, where Arafat spoke, stating his intentions. The effort culminated in Yitzak Rabin and Arafat shaking hands at the White House in 1993 before President Clinton. Ultimately, Arafat did not fulfill his agreement, resulting in criticism of Sheinbaum. Rodney King beating From 1991 to 1993, Sheinbaum served as President of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners. He was highly critical of Chief Daryl Gates' response to the Rodney King beating. He believed the incident was not an isolated one, and led the effort, along with fellow commissioners, to force Gates from office. Recent times Sheinbaum served on the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) National Advisory Council. Additional achievements Publisher of New Perspectives QuarterlyEstablished the American Civil Liberties Foundation of Southern California Regent of the University of California (1977-1989) Helped found People for the American Way Modern art and craft collector (with his wife, Betty Sheinbaum) Death Sheinbaum died at his home in Brentwood on September 12, 2016. He was 96. References External links Documentary ImageDefending Ellsberg & Russo, a letter to the editor of The New York Review of Books'' 1920 births 2016 deaths Jewish American military