EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK

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in Pursuit Of Peace

pursues "our mutual ambitions" and makes recommenda-
merican Arabs and Jews can be friends without
tions toward "an equitable and just settlement to each
talking about the troubled Middle East, but
problem." He anticipates "a landslide of volunteers, so we
those friendships, by their nature, are limited in
can all show our genuine concern and deep feelings on
scope and depth. Imagine, though, friendships
both sides" — and "can feel each other's pain."
strong enough to withstand the fervor of debate about the
What those ambitions are will heavily influence what's
turmoil that has haunted Israelis and their Palestinian
ultimately recommended and to whom. Volunteers are
neighbors for the past 23 months.
hard to come by no matter how noble the cause. And I'm
Arnold Michlin, metro Detroit's Mr. Ecumenism, imag-
leery of what impact those recommendations might have
ines precisely that.
on Israeli and Palestinian leaders, who hold the key to any
And the Waterford resident is so convinced that it's the
peace accord.
way to go, he proposes creating an ecumenical forum to
You won't get me to dismiss Michlin's idea as poppycock,
invite robust, reasoned dialogue in search
however. I know him too well.
of solutions to the latest Palestinian upris-
Working in concert with the Jewish Community of
ing. Palestinian violence and terrorism
Metropolitan Detroit and the local chapters of the
have taken at least 610 lives since
American Jewish Committee and National Council for
September 2000.
Community and Justice, as well as the American Arab and
Such a proposal is not remarkable in
Jewish Friends, Michlin just might build the framework for
itself. What's remarkable is who's pitching
a strong-enough coalition to get some influential people to
it. Michlin, 81, was slowed by a 1999
take notice.
stroke. He tires easily and no longer can
I'm- not sure how we can "feel" each other's pain, given
ROBERT A. walk on his own. He was never a booming
that our cultures are so different. Yet, sensing that pain
SKLAR
speaker.
through unfiltered, honest talking with one another can't
Editor
Still, this handlebar-mustachioed giant of
hurt. And maybe it could touch the American psyche by
good will continues to fight ignorance,
spotlighting why Arabs and Jews half a world away don't
apathy, hatred and injustice. He's dedicated to promoting
get along, and by proposing, as Michlin suggests, "reason-
and building on what brings' us together, not what drives
able and acceptable solutions to this sticky situation."
us part.
Notably, he's a co-founder of the American Arab and
Inspired And Inspiring
Jewish Friends. The group, he says, came into being
I respectfully disagree with Michlin that there have
"with the clear understanding that we, as a group,
been many sincere attempts to end the Israeli-
would not discuss the Middle East — in public or
Palestinian impasse. It takes two sides to negotiate
at meetings.
— not one side willing to talk face to face and the
"We have lived and grown with this position for
other beholden to` talkingbehind the veil of sui
almost 21 years," he adds, "but felt free to have pri-
cide bombings, remotely triggered bombs and
vate discussions without restraint."
attacks.
sniper
intifada
The disasters in the region since the
But I admire his courage to tap into the
broke out in response to Israel's so-called occupa-
Arnold Michlin American Arab and Jewish Friends' wellspring of
tion of Palestinian lands have taken their toll on
hope and try to take it to another, more meaning-
this humble man, who has taught so many how to
ful level.
be respectful instead of intolerant when race, reli-
The Congregation Shaarey Zedek member has played a
gion, ethnicity or belief threaten to place a barrier between
hand in student essay contests, adult award presentations
people.
and interfaith events. His celebration of diversity and con-
Open about their intent, and up front about their limits,
demnation of indifference resonate in his many contribu-
the Friends nonetheless have brought together Arabs and
tions to building a better world.
Jews of all ages since its inauspicious founding on Nov. 21,
Michlin believes "we at least have a chance to succeed
1981. Through dinners, outings and projects, the volunteer
and that we must try" to end the Middle East fighting.
group has worked hard to spark friendships based on trust
Only througha lasting peace, he says, "can we see more-
without the burdens of history, politics or conflict.
clearly
how to approach each other with real benevolent
Some of the culture-crossing friendships are close-knit;
teachings
of all our religions."
others are more casual. But all are sincere. And that's why
Not all of us will live to see peace, he says, but each of us
the Friends don't want to mess with success and embrace
is obligated to help start the process in deference to the
the daunting political issues of the Middle East, the cradle
of repairing the world.
Jewish ideal of tikkun olam
of the world's great religions.
Arnold Michlin is one of the most decent people I know.
I'm proud to call him a friend.
Focused And Hard Driving
I may not always share his optimistic outlook, but I'm
When it comes to spirited service to the cause of stopping
invigorated by his "never-give-up" attitude.
religious meanness and ethnic persecution, Michlin is like
As he puts it in a letter to American Arab and Jewish
a laser beam. He zeroes in and is dogged in pursuit, wow-
Friends supporters, prime prospects all for his new coali-
ing people with understated resolve.
tion: "Let's not waste all the feelings of friendship and
I think he's on track in trying to harness the energy of
good will that have been built up by so many of us for so
the Friends, and somehow use it to create a spin-off coali-
long." ❑
tion devoted to advancing more sharply edged discussion
and study, in hopes of ending the Mideast reign of terror.
Arnold Michlin may be reached by calling (248) 738-0019.
Michlin envisions an innovative, determined coalition that

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271 WEST MAPLE
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8/30

2002

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