just in time for Passover... Tzur, the director of Israel's For- eign Ministry, decried at call as "a blow to the peace process and an additional obstacle in its path." But the Rabat declaration was mild compared to the one taken by the Arab League meeting in Cairo. The foreign ministers of its member states passed a rec- ommendation to freeze the nor- malization process with Israel, close special-interest offices, and reinstitute the economic boycott. Yassir Arafat used that plat- form to warn that his people are facing a situation of war. But the most striking statement of the day came from Yusuf Ben-Alawi, the foreign minister of Oman, one of the first Arab states to culti- vate relations with Israel. He warned the United States "to re- consider its Middle East policy in order to protect its interests in the region." His words were applauded by his colleagues and made front- page copy in Israel, to which they were also indirectly addressed. That brings us to America, from which the messages are more subtle. Last week the sen- timent was a mixed one. U.S. special negotiator Den- nis Ross came and went, and the peace process remained stuck. Mr. Netanyahu assured the pub- lic that Mr. Ross had made no demands. And that was only proper, from his viewpoint, since the Palestinians have yet to prove themselves before the talks can continue. Yet, on the same day the press reported that President Clinton has a plan to break the deadlock. Outlined in a letter to Morocco's King Hassan, it calls for restoring a balance of mutu- al consideration. The Palestini- ans must commit themselves to vigorously combat terror. Israel must commit itself to eschew unilateral actions. That may in- clude putting a freeze on the construction of Har Homa. And therein lines the rub for Mr. Netanyahu. If this is Amer- ican involvement, it will proba- bly not be to his taste. And for Mr. Ross's effort, no- body said "thank you." On the contrary, Israel government sources have a laundry list of complaints. In dealing with the latest crisis, officials chide, the U.S. administration has shown a "lack of leadership." It is pre- occupied with expanding NATO at the expense of the Middle East. Yet, if Washington doesn't exert firm pressure, the impasse will only deepen. In short, they say, if the peace talks are dead- locked, it's all America's fault. The gist of this litany is in- structive. Israel fears Washing- ton's pressure less than it fears its neglect. When America's at- tention is drawn elsewhere, Is- raelis feel jealous and lonely. 0 Debbie Bevans and Jenny Kdoshim authors of the "Matza 101" cookbook will demonstrate all the wonderful options you have with matzah during Passover and throughout the year. Debbie and Jenny will have samples for you to taste straight from their Kosher kitchen in California. This dynamic cooking team will be demonstrating at the new itrit9er at Haggerty and Pontiac Trail. Sunday, April 13 0. at 1 p.m. t r O mi*. This program is FREE I and open to the community Wiffilt.43.1AZAT • ON--•• • • Cookbook and Video packages will be available for sale $29.95 BOOKS : , WW WAI NVI THE GREATEST GIFT JCC "71 I jcui,110.nultuni,Ccnicr Me" S The book makes an excellent and unique hostess gift for Passover. Debbie and. Jenny will be available to sign your books after the demonstration. If you would like to reserve your copy in advance please call 810-661-7634. Please call to make reservations 810-661-7634. If you can't make the SUNDAY appearance-the Matza ladies will be at the Jimmy Prentis Morris building on MONDAY, April 14 at 7:30 p.m.