Peace Now ( Shalom Achshav, ) is a non-governmental organization, liberal advocacy and activist group in Israel with the aim of promoting a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Objectives/positions Two states for two nations – Israel and Palestine A Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, based on the borders of June 1967 with land swaps agreed upon by both sides Jerusalem – In an official document from 1982 Peace Now advocated for an undivided Jerusalem as Israel's capital. It has since shifted its position to two capitals for two states – a solution based on demographic breakdowns with a special agreement for the Old City. Peace with Syria – A peace agreement based on secure and recognized borders, and the regulation of relations between the two countries is the primary strategic issue for the people of Israel and Syria. Beginning negotiations with Syria is a gateway to negotiations with Lebanon and will help create a new international mood in the region. Peace Now views the settlements as a threat to the existence of Israel as a democratic and Jewish state. Peace Now views the settlements as a main obstacle to any future peace agreement. Peace Now views the settlements as an element that harms the State of Israel on many fronts: security, economically, morally, and culturally. Peace Now views the settlements as harmful to Israel's standing in the international community. Origins Peace Now was formed during the 1978 Israeli-Egyptian peace talks between Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat at a time when the talks looked close to collapse. Three hundred forty-eight reserve officers and soldiers from Israeli army combat units published an open letter to the Prime Minister of Israel. They called for the Israeli government not to squander the historic opportunity for peace between the two nations. The officers realized that Israel could not retain its Jewish-democratic nature while perpetuating its rule over one million Arabs. They concluded that Israel's security needs could only be met by the attainment of peace between Israel and its neighbours via a negotiated agreement. Subsequently, tens of thousands of Israelis petitioned the Israeli government in support of the letter, and as a result the movement known as Peace Now was born. Early activism Peace Now again came to prominence following Israel's 1982 Invasion of Lebanon, and in particular the massacre of Palestinian refugees by Christian Lebanese Phalangists