A DAY OF PEACE

Potential Benefits
Outweigh The Dangers

MAURICE WATERS SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

all in the region.
It would be particularly
desirable if a joint Israel-
Palestinian fund were estab-
lished to compensate those
individuals who have lost
property as a result of past
hostilities, or who may lose
any as a result of the settle-
ment terms. This was done
with regard to the Sinai
agreement and by Gel many
as a result of the Holocaust.
Probably one of the most
useful projects that could be
undertaken affecting the
economies of all parties and
goodwill would be joint eco-
nomic development planning.
he agreement reached Something akin to the
by Israel and the PLO European Community's eco-
as of Sept. 10, 1993, pro- nomic programming would
vides the prospects for have tremendous beneficial
tremendous changes for the consequences for the region
good in the Middle East and, and the world.
Many Israelis may feel
in fact, in world politics.
It is obvious to all that the that they are giving up some-
road ahead is fraught with thing and getting in return
difficulty and danger, but so only increased danger. But
is life. And the opposition the truth is, since 1973, the
groups in reality offer noth- danger has not been so much
ing but a continuation of the to the state of Israel as to the
same policies that have tragi- individual Israelis.
PLO critics and their sup-
cally come to typify that hor-
rible phrase: "But this is the porters need to be more real-
istic in the analysis of the sit-
Middle East."
The potential benefits out- uation. Even if one supports
weigh the dangers that would the view that they deserve an
be perpetuated in continuing independent Palestinian
the policies of the past. Those state and that it would not
benefits are a reduction in constitute a danger to Israel,
the threats to individuals in but probably reduce it, the
their daily lives, which may evidence is clear that Israel is
not become manifest immedi- a deeply divided nation.
To have asked for full inde-
ately but should within the
pendence or something just
coming months.
Escalation of violence may short of it would have result-
occur and sadly could even ed in impasse, a sense of
take place within parties, but another failure and an after-
should dirninish if the leaders math of increased bitterness
of the proponent groups and despair. Incremental
mobilize their supporters to change is the only rational
serve as educators and medi- policy that can be successful-
ly followed. It offers the best
ators.
Other gains will surely be chance of each side's testing
in the form of economic the other's sincerity and of
improvements. This benefit providing a mutually accept-
will have many sources. able end product.
Israelis may feel that they
Other goverrunents, especial-
ly the United States, will have given up land and
undoubtedly provide funds received in exchange more
that are not now available danger to their country.
and will also urge sympathet- Danger to the state has not
ic citizens to contribute. And increased since 1973. The
if other hostile actors, partic- danger rather is to persons.
ularly Syria and Jordan, The new agreements adds
come to terms with Israel, the rather than subtracts to over-
relief from high military all security. ❑
expenditure in the region, Maurice Waters is professor of
and the transference of funds international law and politics
to economic development pro- at Wayne State University.
jects, should have a profound
impact on the well-being of

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Local Jews, Arabs
Join For Peace

JENNIFER FINER JEWISH NEWS INTERN

to come together and
watch. We wanted to
show everyone that
many Jews and Arabs
are strongly in favor of
the agreement."
Although not all Jews
or Arabs agree, there
were no dissidents in
this group. Those who
showed up to toast
peace and watch the cer-
emony said they have
relatives in the Middle
East or have lived there
themselves and strongly
favor peace.
Many also said they
are hopeful this agree-
ment will further
cement the relationship
between Jews and
Arabs in the Detroit
area.
While Shelly Mishal
watched the ceremony,
she had trouble holding
back her tears.
"I always get emotion-
al," said Ms. Mishal,
who is Jewish and mar-
ried to an Arab
American. "This is so
fantastic. I'm so happy,
but I'm also frightened
because there is a lot of
Larry Horwitz and Kamal Shouhayib embrace after watching the signing of the peace
agreement.
work that needs to be
done. I'm also very opti-
when Mr. Arafat and Mr.
hey applauded when
mistic because we are so sim-
Rabin shook hands after
Israel's Prime Minister
ilar in tradition and values.
signing a pact that guaran-
Yitzahak Rabin spoke
I'm really thrilled to see so
tees mutual recognition by
from the White House
much support from the com-
Israel and the PLO.
lawn, telling the world
munity.
Oak Park resident Larry
"the time has come to
"Hopefully, those who
Horwitz and his friend
try and put an end to hostili-
would otherwise throw hur-
Kamal Shouhayib, a member
ties so our children and our
dles into the process will
of the Arab-American com-
children's children won't
think twice."
munity, arranged the event.
have to experience the pain
Mr. Shouhayib echoed her
of war."
enthusiasm.
They applauded when
"I'm hoping for a new era
Yassir Arafat, leader of the
of peace," he said. "We think
Palestine Liberation
this allows tremendous
"We wanted to show
Organization, said he is
opportunities on both sides."
hopeful the peace agreement
Harold Gales is optimistic
everyone that many
signed between Israel and
Monday's events will affect
the Palestine Liberation
Jews and Arabs are
the relationship of Jews and
Organization will "usher in
Arabs in the Detroit area.
strongly in favor of
an age of political coexistence
"Hopefully, this is the
and human rights."
beginning of a tremendous
the agreement."
And they applauded as
advancement in the relation-
President Bill Clinton told
Larry Horwitz
ship between Israel and
the Middle East leaders "go
other Middle Eastern coun-
in peace and go as peace
tries," he said. "We're here to
makers."
celebrate this occasion with
"We wanted to watch the
But the loudest applause
our Arab-American friends.
signing together and share in
from this Detroit-area group
The relationship between a
the excitement," said Mr.
of Arab Americans and
large number of both our
Horwitz, who helped orga-
Jewish Americans, who met
communities has been good
nize the program the night
at the Majestic restaurant in
and I feel this can only
before. "We each got on the
Detroit to witness Monday's
heighten the nature of our
phone and invited our friends
historic agreement, came
relationship." [II

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