Realtors advertising their listings is like a hotel advertising clean sheets. Syrian refugees who smuggle wounded family and friends to hospitals across the border. Additionally, Israel is often one of the first countries on the scene to provide relief following natural disasters around the world. It has assisted Japan, Haiti, the Philippines, the Congo ... the list goes on and on. Israel is the world headquarters of innovation. That cell phone you're using to call your mother? That airplane you just stepped out of? That search engine you used for your school project? Chances are that parts of each were developed in Israel, a leader in technological innovation. The bottom line? If you want to boycott Israeli goods, you're going to have to get used to a very different kind of lifestyle, very fast. Israel is complicated. And I had no idea just how complicated it was until I began this 10-week journey with my fellow classmates. There is no easy solution to the problems in the Middle East. But by continuing to inform and engage those around us, perhaps one day the region will see peace. Hillel of Metro Detroit's Israel Fellowship has truly been an eye-opening experience. Its purpose was not to solve the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. Rather, it was to open a dialogue among the participants, allowing us to hear multiple sides of the story and better understand Israel's history and the journey that has led it to where it is today. As I make my last reflections upon this 10-week fellowship program, I am glad to say that I now have a much stronger connection to Israel because of the time I spent reading articles, engaging speakers and having spirited (and sometimes heated) discussions with my classmates. And thanks to this better understanding of Israel's past, present and future, I no longer consider myself to be someone who takes Israel for granted. ❑ Ashley Gordon of Southfield is a recent graduate of Oakland University. It's time to expect more! Car Ben! - Former Marketing Executive turned Realtor - Innovative Marketing to sell your home quickly & for a great price - - 5-Star Customer Experience! - - Past Client PERKS! "Ben did amazing work for me! He sold my condo in one day, literally, on the market for only a day. He stayed in constant communication and was really just a pleasure to work with. I would recommend Ben to any of my friends and family!"—Jay Hack, Hack Wealth Management, NEXTGen Board President Ben Handelsman, Realtor 248-971-0446 - Cell ben@maxbroock.com www.HomesByBen.com Facebook.com/HomesByBen - A X-. BROOCK REALTORS' SINCE 275 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 1921080 Book GAMES NOW for your GRADUATION PARTY!!! •Bat/Bar Mitzvahs •Weddings •Corporate Events •Birthday Parties •Any Special Occasion 248-583-1000 580 Ajax Drive Madison Heights, MI 48071 www.alpha-amusements.com JN June 19 • 2014 37