~April 29, 2005~

April 29, 2005

The Honorable Carl Levin

Russell 269

United States Senate

Dear Senator Levin,

We read about the recent initiative of the Michigan Fund for Peace and Development and write to express our appreciation to you for your encouraging leadership. Even as we recognize the necessary role of the U.S. government in providing financial assistance for Israelis and Palestinians, we applaud this citizen initiative to finance economic and job development in Gaza and the West Bank.

The state of Michigan, with its vibrantly diverse population, has set an example for all Americans. Please extend our thanks to the residents of Metro Detroit for their constructive contribution to a future of peace and stability for Israelis and Palestinians.

Sincerely,

Corinne Whitlatch

Executive Director

SEN. LEVIN ENCOURAGES LOCAL JEWISH-PALESTINIAN AID EFFORT:
With the encouragement of Senator Carl Levin, Jewish and Palestinian residents from Metro Detroit announced yesterday a cooperative enterprise to raise financing for businesses in Gaza and the West Bank.  The Michigan Fund for Peace and Economic Development is intended to provide investments and loans to improve the lives of people in the occupied territories.  The organizers also hope to further peace between Israel and the Palestinians and to establish a partnership between the Jewish and Palestinian communities in Michigan.  “A number of us recently traveled to Israel and the West Bank, and there we received strong support from the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority for this effort,” said Levin.  “This is a relatively small effort compared to what the need is, in terms of economic and job development in Gaza and the West Bank.  But it is an effort that is rich in meaning for those of us that are participating in it.”  David Enwyia, an
electrician of Assyrian descent, agreed, saying, “It is a brilliant idea, honestly.  There long has been respect among Jews and Palestinians here, as Americans, and what we have to do is build upon that and try to contribute to peace and stability over there.”  (Detroit News, 4/26/05)--Provided by Americans for Peace Now's Middle East Peace Report

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