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".