Bridging the Gap

For nine years Project Renewal has quietly and unceremoniously advanced American Jewish efforts to rehabilitate Jewish towns and villages in Israel. The Jewish Federation Council of Los Angeles has long been a leader in Project Renewal’s successful drive to revive Israel’s most troubled, and sometimes forgotten, villages. Success brings its rewards: The Los Angeles group alone has already turned two distressed towns into thriving communities. Success also brings challenge. On the invitation of the mayor of Tel Aviv, the Jewish Federation Council will be the first American Jewish group to help rehabilitate a predominantly Arab--yes, Arab --neighborhood: the Tel Aviv community of Ajami.

The challenge to improve Arab-Israeli relations and bring lasting peace to the Middle East confronts presidents, diplomats and statesmen of all ranks. Their efforts have produced modest results. And if the Jewish Federation Council of Los Angeles succeeds in rehabilitating Ajami, and gives its residents a chance to better their lives, the effect on Middle East politics at large will also be modest. Not so for the residents of Ajami. Their lives will change significantly due to the direct involvement of the Israeli government and the people of the Los Angeles federation. And if other cities follow the Los Angeles group’s pioneering lead, the potential for change could be profound.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles can take pride in the federation’s commitment to social justice, and its role in bridging the gap between Arab and Jew.