,1.4"rina:WAter. after this past summer's war. More than 3,000 young people from around the world applied to our Leading Up North program, and this incredible number alone shows how much this generation is eager to be involved. When the volunteers we took to Israel finished their days fixing bomb shelters and preparing charred for- ests for replanting, they spent their evenings in discussion with young Israelis who have chosen to live in the socio-economically challenged regions of the country to bring about change. They met with Israelis and other Jews from around the world who are deeply engaged in service, working with non- Jewish as well as Jewish communities. In response, our foundation has not stopped with Leading Up North. We continue to support Jewish service in many ways, including J-Serve, a national Jewish teen day of service, and an online networking site and follow-up programming for alumni of Jewish service programs. Make It A Must Whether you call it volunteerism, community service, tzedek, social action or something else altogether, an intense service experience must become a rite of passage for all young Jews. When it does, our community will be living the values, investing in positive change — both within the Jewish community and the general society — planting the seeds for their children to flourish and returning the favor in a never-ending cycle. And so I challenge all of us to step it up. Let's step up the number of young Jews doing service. Let's step up support for Jewish organizations that provide authentic service programs, significantly expanding their reach. Let's step up our commitment to tzedek and tik kun olam. Let's unite our community with a sincere, shared obligation to Jewish service. Let's make service universal. 11 Lynn Schusterman is chair of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. demand for the eradication of terror and for maintaining security, we must also broaden the existing channels of dialogue. Those who do not want the current leadership will tomorrow get Islamic Jihad and Al Qaida instead. If we bury all hope about the cur- rent alternative, we will find ourselves facing an Arab world united behind the Iranian intentions to annihilate Israel. The continuation of the present situation will bring upon us nothing but disaster. With the lack of a diplo- matic alternative, it is merely a ques- tion of time until the Israel Defense Forces return to Gaza. If we allow despair to overcome us, it will do so quickly and easily. There also is a need to realize that without the peace we yearn for, it is not pos- sible morally to continue ruling over the lives of 3.5 million Arabs who do not want us. This moral position must drive us also to make the effort to try to climb the ladder of opportunity that has been placed at our side. Answering Israel's Critics 47705 West Rd., Suite B106 • Wixom, MI 48393 248 344 7770 www.mhcfurniture.com 1230490 Passover Dessert Menu ftefy. Dau id's Goun w hitet Pastmes • Chocolate Covered Strawberries: i12 doz. • Passover brownies: 114.50 doz. • Giant Choc' Pipped Macaroons: 4 14.50 doz • Glazed Almond Orange ;randy Cake: 8"-f1715 • Flourless Chocolate Ecstacy: 8n-single layer #17.25 •Seven Layer (serves 8 to 10): 118.25 • Flourless Chocolate Ecstacy: Torte with Choc' Mousse: 8 11•426.25 • Yellow Chiffon fr White Choc Mousse Torte Layered with Fresh Strawberries: 8n-45.95 6585 Commerce Road • W. Bloomfield, MI 48324 (ON CORNER OF GREEN LK. RD. & COMMERCE RDS) The Charge Saudi Arabia's foreign minister was quoted last week as saying that Israel's response to his country's peace plan, calling for changes, is ludicrous. The Answer The Saudi plan seeks Israel's corn- plete withdrawal from the West Bank, which would entail disman- tlement of all Jewish communities and east Jerusalem Jewish neigh- borhoods built across the Green Line since 1967, and intimates that Palestinian refugees would be entitled to return to Israel. The first condition denies Israel's legitimate historic and religious claim to any part of the West Bank, and the second condition is a demographic time bomb that would lead to Jews becoming a minority in Israel. Michael Melchior chairs the Knesset Education and Culture Committee. This column first appeared on Haaretz.com . Furniture & Accessories for Kids & Babies of All Ages — Allan Gale, Jewish Community Council of Metropolitan Detroit Call NOW for Your Order! (148)-960-3060 Unable to eat what you want? Tired of the taste and feel of messy denture adhesives? Trouble speaking clearly? Call for FREE consultation or Second Opinion New Dental Mini Implants John Kazanowski, D.D.S. 31700 Telegraph Rd. Suite 100 Bingham Farms 248-433-6000 www.drkazdds.com March 22 2007 31