EDITORIAL

Mideast Momentum

After months of stalemate and inactivity,
the Mideast is abuzz with movement on the
peace process. Energized by the election of
Yitzhak Rabin as prime minister of Israel,
Secretary of State Baker visited the region
this week and met with leaders in Israel, as
well as with Palestinian and Jordanian of-
ficials. In addition, Mr. Rabin went to
Cairo for the first Israel-Egypt summit in
six years.
Although details are sketchy, it is evi-
dent that the U.S. is working out a formula
where it can provide Israel with billions of
dollars in loan guarantees for the reset-
tlement of former Soviet Jews without
alienating the Palestinian contingent of
the peace talks.
It is expected that a formal announce-
ment regarding the loan guarantees — a
point of bitter contention between
Jerusalem and Washington during the
Shamir administration — could come as
soon as Mr. Rabin's visit next month to
President Bush's summer home in Ken-
nebunkport, Maine. Mr. Bush would
welcome the opportunity to make a gesture
to bolster his support among American
Jews prior to the November elections.
During Mr. Baker's visit to Israel, he
noted with pleasure the new Rabin
government's decision to curtail the ex-
pansion of settlements in the occupied ter-
ritories, and he renewed his call to the
Arabs to end their longstanding economic
boycott of Israel.
While Mr. Baker is expected to take a

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FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1992

GEORGE,.,
TIMETO
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leave of absence soon to head Mr. Bush's
reelection campaign, Deputy Secretary
Lawrence Eagleburger would keep the
momentum going if the parties are willing.
Israel has shown its willingness and inten-
tion to move quickly toward an autonomy
plan with the Palestinians. The burden is
now on the Palestinians and Arab states to
keep pace.

This has been a good week for the Middle
East. Mr. Baker has said the right things,
praising Israel and putting the pressure on
the Arabs for concessions. Mr. Rabin has
shown a willingness to compromise in
return for the loan guarantees, which are
of vital importance. Many more such pro-
ductive weeks are needed for the peace pro-
cess to move forward.
Now it is up to the American Jewish
community to promote the importance —
and cost-effectiveness — of the loan guar-
antees, because even with administration
approval, the guarantees will not be a shoo-
in in Congress during this climate of do-
mestic priorities and economic recession.

Our community must emphasize that the
cost of the guarantees will be minimal
while improving U.S.-Israel relations and
allowing thousands of former Soviet Jews
to find decent jobs and affordable housing.
What will make the lobbying effort
easier this time around is the positive
image of the Rabin government, which al-
ready has shown that it is willing, not
resistant, to move toward peace.

Candidates Have A Duty

"Some of my best friends have had abor-
tions," said State Sen. David Honigman.
"You people," said Judge Alice Gilbert and
Joe Knollenberg.
"I am not campaigning negatively," said
Judge Gilbert.
W.C. Fields and the H. Ross Perot presi-
dential candidacy were turning in their
respective graves from some of these com-
ments stated before 400 people at an Adat
Shalom-hosted political forum Tuesday
night.
Before we go on any further, congratula-
tions should go out to candidates Joseph
Knollenberg, Walter Briggs and Dr.
Michael Meyer. These three successfully
presented their issues amid a pall of
hostility between Mr. Honigman and Ms.
Gilbert.
The race for the 11th Congressional
District seat is to be taken seriously by
voters. We need, however, to steer clear of
the campaign histrionics and behavior
demonstrated by the judge and the senator.
Before they can think of improving a
nation, they need to start with themselves.
Sen. Honigman, "some of my best friends
have had abortions," is a disgraceful way
.0 lend credence to the fact that you are
basically anti-abortion. Don't stand behind
your "best friends" as a way to get votes.
The reference that Judge Gilbert, who is

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7aJ

Jewish, and Mr. Knollenberg made to their
audience as "you people" is a condescen-
ding insult. Yes, the Jewish people have
certain interests they hold dear. But, don't
separate us, even conversationally.
This newspaper is handing out a
challenge to our community. Study what
these candidates are saying. Do not rely on
advertising. Attend forums, call their of-
fices and find out why they believe and
what they believe.

We only wish the candidates themselves
would be more sensitive to the value of our
trust before they make some of their
statements. When more of our time is
wasted witnessing pointed fingers, we see
that candidates aren't just showing a lack
of respect for one another, but a huge lack
of respect for the very people they need the
most, the voters.

We need a good representative in Wash-
ington, D.C. We want our candidates to be
good, to be committed, to be informed on
the issues. Think, candidates, before say-
ing something, especially in the heat of
debate. Watch your words. Talk respon-
sibly. If it isn't done here in Michigan,
voter, what does that say about the can-
didate? If it's difficult to make a case here
in a synagogue social hall, think what it's
going to be like on Capitol Hill.

CUT

LETTERS

Reinterpreting
JPM Information

Responding to the July 10

Jewish News article by Ar-

thur Horwitz on the future of
the Jewish Center's Jimmy
Prentis Morris building, there
are errors of fact which must
be addressed.
In the past, the JCC has
maintained a separate
membership rate structure
for JPM due to its obvious
lack of facilities. With the ad-
dition of a swimming pool,
health club, renovated child
care space and meeting
rooms, JPM will become a
first-class facility. Member-
ship will become inclusive for
both JPM and Maple/Drake.
Tennis and track are
available to all general
members as well as health
club members. Financial
assistance has always bet_i
available. Health club
members need only choose a
permanent locker location,
both facilities are open to
them.
Finally, health club
membership is $798, not $900
as reported. Where else can
one find such a variety of
options?
Much of the current pro-
gramming at JPM is full to
capacity and future expan-
sion, demonstrably supported
by the entire Jewish commu-
nity, will assure continued en-
hancement and development.

Doris Weinberger Blechman
Vice President,
Jewish Community Center

Campaigning
On The Record

I think Managing Editor
Phil Jacobs' reasoning is faul-
ty when he states (July 17)
that if a candidate for a
political office needs to
discuss his opponent's record,

it shows that he thinks less of
his strengths than he does of
his opponent's perceived
weaknesses and that this
should send a warning signal
to the public.
If the candidate is seeking
an office that is currently
held by his opponent, there is
nothing wrong or ques-
tionable if he lets the public
know what criticism he has
regarding the incumbent's
performance in office, as long
as the candidate also presents
his stands on the issues and
his qualifications for the
office.
Not to discuss his oppo-
nent's record is like a boxer
trying to fight his opponent
with one hand tied behind his
back. That would be just plain
stupid.

L.

Arthur Lyons
Huntington Woods

Blu Greenberg
No Spokeswoman

I do not consider Blu
Greenberg ("In New Hands"
July 17) my spokesperson, nor
does any other Torah-
observant Jewish woman that
I know.
She may be the darling of
Reform and Conservative
Jewry (Wow, an "Orthodox
feminist and author"!).
However, her opinion, that
the presence of women rabbis
in these denominations is
eventually going to influence
Orthodox Jewry to take on
women rabbis, simply does
not represent mainstream Or-
thodox thought.
Although the non-Orthodox
segments of Judaism con- c7-'
tinue to make concessions
regarding acceptance of
women rabbis and cantors,
homosexuals, intermarried
couples, non-observance of

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