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. The BEST Garage, Entry and Storm Doors • Cellular Phones •Satellite TV •Send Global International Calling YOU Can BUY! 314 5/ 5 2005 20 THEY WELCOME YOU HOME! SINCE Visit our warehouse showroom: TARNOW DOORS 23781 Halsted Rd. • Farmington Hills 48335 GARAGE • ENTRANCE • STORM Call us toll free: BBB-577-7276 am Visit our Welisitel www.tarnowdoors.gom SALES...INSTALLATION...PARTS & SERVICE W1RELE.S5 COMPIUNI/CAT{0.5 g West Bloomfield • (248) 681-7200 Bloomfield Hills • (248) 335-3345 4276 Orchard Lake Rd. @ Lone Pine 43183 Woodward Ave @ Square Lake