MCJP Initiative in Israel & Palestine

Internet Bar's most recent MCJP initiative is in Palestine.

We are partnering with two groups, www.connecther.ning.com and FLOW to explore how to augment existing trade programs in Palestine with e-commerce oriented enhancements. There is tremendous potential for economic development in the region and in many cases there is cross-cultural support between Palestinians and Israelis which can be built upon. At the same time, as in many other developing regions, there are social, cultural and political matters and technology, infrastructure, banking and logistics matters, that all impact whether e-commerce can be successfully brought to bear.

In addition to the challenges described above, the region of Palestine is of course also a region of embittered political and religious factions in frequent conflict. From the U.S. perspective there are risks for money and other material to be unwittingly or intentional diverted to unfriendly or terrorist organizations and e-commerce might, under certain circumstances, actually increase this risk. Because of the sensitive nature of affairs in this region, Internet Bar is seeking to draw upon expertise and consultative engagement with U.S. governmental institutions. At the same time there is tremendous support in general for programs that decrease poverty and increase economic opportunity in the region and this support comes from both the public and private sectors globally.

At this stage of the project Internet Bar is primarily engaged in fact-gathering to determine where and with whom to establish a pilot project. We have spoken to at least one U.S.-based group that has already successfully developed global commerce for impoverished Palestinian families. As we explore this and other possible missions in Palestine, we are mindful of both the promise of complimenting such existing programs through true e-commerce capability, and also of the very sensitive political and religious issues that can at times be involved in such endeavors.

The potential for Palestinian-based projects will be a primary focus point for our upcoming global summit meeting in Washington, D.C. in September of 2007. Our hope is to engage an international advisory team for this project so we can quickly move into position to implement a pilot project plan. Concurrently, we will be contacting the international development and philanthropic communities to assess project funding potential.