More Than Just Jobs

I

t's difficult to describe the amaz-
ing adventure I was recently privi-
leged to have when I joined 10 of
my colleagues on a six-day Legislative
Mission to Israel. We traveled the coun-
try, meeting with different businesses,
institutions and individuals. While the
main focus of the trip was economic
development, we also experienced
Israel's diverse culture and scenery.
It was interesting to hear how the
Israeli government fosters entrepre-
neurship. They have programs that
provide financing for people with
innovative business ideas. One of the
striking things about these meetings
was the positive information about
Israel, such as it has the largest number
of companies listed on the NASDAQ

— and not just to Jews. Upon
and nine Israelis have won
visiting Emek Hospital, we
Nobel Prizes. We heard the
saw an ambulance that was
pride that the people have
donated from the Michigan
in the country, not just their
chapter of American Friends
company.
of Magen David Adom and one
But the trip served more
of my colleagues commented,
than just trying to bring
"It seems like you all take care
jobs to Michigan.
of each other."
As the sole Jewish legisla-
I told her of the campaign
tor on the trip, I watched
"No Family Stands Alone."
and listened with pride as
Rep. Lisa
Many of our agencies receive
my colleagues experienced
Brown
funding through line items in
the beauty of Israel and
D-West
the state budget and educat-
learned about Jewish cul-
Bloomfield
ing state lawmakers about the
ture. If any of them move
agencies helps to secure that funding
on to federal government, they will
source for the future.
have a positive attitude toward Israel.
It was also a great opportunity for
They learned about many of our
the 11 of us to get to know each other
agencies and the services they provide

better — outside of politics. Term
limits make it hard to get know my col-
leagues and without relationships, it's
hard to work together. Since my time in
the legislature, a few policy issues have
come up that infringe on Jewish beliefs,
such as the bill dealing with autopsy
and disposal of body parts. I now know
there are 10 more voices that will join
with mine to work together to find
respectful solutions.
To continue the camaraderie and
exposure to Jewish culture and beliefs,
I invited everyone on the trip to my
home for Passover. It will be a crowded
seder table! I am eternally grateful to
the Federation for this once-in-a-life-
time experience that will stay with me,
and my colleagues, always.

A Personal Transformation

A

recent business-development
trip to Israel was something I
knew could pay great dividends
for the state of Michigan, but little did I
know how much it would end up mean-
ing to me personally and spiritually.
As speaker of the Michigan House
of Representatives, I was honored to
be in Israel representing Michigan, its
businesses and, most important, the
talented people we have here. Trips like
this one are vital for helping countries
like Israel realize the market that exists
in Michigan while exposing our state
to the potential for more jobs as Israeli
companies look to open locations in the
United States.
Because of the initial focus of the trip,
my first observations when we arrived
in Tel Aviv involved the government, the
society and how the entire country func-
tioned. Later, those observations would
be drowned out by the deeply emotional
experience I had in Jerusalem.
Israel has a very low corporate tax, but
high personal taxes of around 50 per-
cent. Automobiles cost twice what they
are in the United States and gas is $8 per
gallon. These high costs are due in large
part to tax policy. Real estate costs also
are prohibitively expensive for several

atrocities; but I was amazed he was
reasons. Many people have probably
heard the news about protests in Tel Aviv not filled with hatred. It was a horrible
and gut-wrenching tale to hear, but one
regarding the plight of the middle class.
which more people should listen to. I
Despite a very low unemployment
will admit to tears as he retold of saying
rate, universal healthcare and free edu-
goodbye to his mother.
cation, there is still a big
On that day, we also had a
disparity in wealth. It was
chance to visit the Old City and
eye-opening to note the
the Mount of Olives from sev-
common frustration among
eral hundred yards away, and
the protesters, many in their
finished up the evening with
20s. Despite all they have
a Sabbath dinner at a private
provided by their govern-
home. Things were active along
ment, what they seemed to
the Egypt-Israeli border while
crave is the opportunity to
we were there. It is amazing
achieve personal success.
how life goes on amidst strife.
My trip took a huge turn
I suppose after thousands of
when we went to Jerusalem.
Jase Bolger
years,
this city is simply used to
We had a guided tour of
Michigan
it.
I
experienced
more tears and
Yad Vashem (Holocaust
Speaker of
great
emotions
in
touring the
Memorial) by the only
the House
religious
sites
of
Jerusalem.
Holocaust survivor who gives
R-Marshall
While on this leg of the jour-
tours. It was incredibly mov-
ney, we also learned about Israeli water
ing, especially as he described the day
reclamation and desalinization technol-
he was separated from his family at the
ogy, which is quite impressive. Israel
insistence of his mother despite being
reclaims 70 percent of its wastewater
only 15 years old. This man was the only
for irrigation. The next closest country
family member to survive after he spent
reclaims only 12 percent. When the
time in five concentration camps.
Jordan River and Sea of Galilee are your
You could see some anger as he
only fresh water source, you learn to
pointed to the pictures of the Germans
make the most of them. Surrounded by
shooting women, or photographing the

the Great Lakes, we are definitely spoiled
in Michigan!
I never really felt any danger while
I was in Israel, but I knew the entire
time that areas I was visiting had been
subjected to violence and rocket attacks
in the past. The Israelis I met seemed to
know it was possible they'd be hit again
soon. One hospital we visited was on
high alert, and one person I asked about
missile defense replied, "Luck. We just
hope they don't land on us." You could
see concern on the faces of our group,
but for the Israelis it's a fact of life. They
even take bombing into consideration
during construction of their infrastruc-
ture.
On the whole, the people I met seemed
saddened and tired by the violence, but
I never sensed the fear I expect we'd see
in the United States under similar cir-
cumstances.
Despite the inherent danger of visit-
ing a region of the world with its current
disputes, I cannot encourage people
enough to make such a pilgrimage. This
was not only a productive mission; it
was a fantastic, spiritual and very inter-
esting trip. I can only hope I have the
chance to return to Israel again soon. I

October 6

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