World
"The path to peace runs up against realities like financial
desperation and high unemployment."
— Michigan Fund Co-Chair Eugene Driker
Robert Sher
Azzam Elder
loans to refrigerate trucks carrying pro-
duce that is now lost during the long
waits at checkpoints.
"We're using professional people
there to vet our prospects," said CPA
and executive business coach Robert
Sher. "It may be a business already
operating, or we may help new busi-
nesses get started."
When asked why this private group
is investing in the Middle East when
there are great needs here in Michigan,
Levin said there is a great need in both
areas.
"The peace process is important to
us and to our nation," Levin said. "We
already invest a great deal of taxpayer
dollars on Middle East peace. We're
hoping to supplement the govern-
ment's position."
But economics, not politics, is the
focus of Michigan Fund members.
"We don't discuss politics," Levin said.
Arnold Mikon
Florine Mark
Wide-Ranging Support
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice sent the senator a letter
in April encouraging the fund's work. "Private sector efforts of
entities that encourage Palestinian economic recovery, such as the
Michigan Fund, can play an important role in contributing to
development in the West Bank and Gaza," Rice wrote. "A vibrant
economy in this region is a crucial element in promoting peace in
the Middle East ..."
Before going to the Middle East, Levin said local leaders
involved with Jewish and Arab communal organizations were con-
sulted about this project. But the project is a stand-alone entity, he
added, not connected to any other organization. "We want to be
efficient, flexible and speedy," said Levin, who hopes the group
will start investing in businesses this year.
Robert Aronson, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan
Detroit, said Sen. Levin approached him a few years ago about the
fund. While the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, local
Jewry's nonprofit, umbrella strategic planning and fund-raising
agency, does not have a position on the fund or its role, Aronson
said; "Clearly, economic development will be key to a peaceful
coexistence between Israel and the West Bank and Gaza in the
future."
With high unemployment and economic dislocation within
the Palestinian areas, especially in Gaza, there's little chance for a
lasting peace without regional economic development, Aronson
said.
He said Federation has worked hard over the years to open up
relations between Arab and Jewish Americans. "If we're going to
start anywhere, Detroit is a good place to start because of our
significant Jewish and Arab communities," Aronson said.
About 96,000 Jews live in Metro Detroit. The local Arab com-
munity consists of more than 125,000 people.
For the Michigan Fund to succeed, said Federation President
Peter Alter, collaboration between the local Arab and Jewish
American communities will need to go well beyond those people
in Detroit. "We can only hope that kind of cooperation is
accomplished," he said.
What's Next?
In a week or two when legal requirements are completed, the
group will solicit funds for its project, Driker said. However,
Levin would not be involved in that because of ethics rules
regarding a U.S. senator.
While the fund is set up to help the Middle East economy, it
also can benefit Michigan businesses, said Richard Corson,
director of the Pontiac-based U.S. Export Assistance Center,
U.S. Dept of Commerce.
"Economic development and job creation in the West Bank
and Gaza can create more opportunities for Palestinian busi-
nesses to purchase American products, including those manu-
factured in Michigan," said Corson, who is Jewish.
His colleagues at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv informed him
that West Bank and Gaza industries need medical equipment
and supplies, telecommunications equipment, computers, infor-
mation technology and furniture, Corson said.
"The fund is beneficial in many respects," Sen. Levin con-
cluded. "It creates jobs and better lives for people, and it bene-
fits lives here. When we [Arab and Jewish Americans] become
partners, we become stakeholders of the peace process. We're
hoping others will build on our success." ❑
Related editorial on page 35.
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