We are thrilled to tell you exciting news from AVPE. This is our first email since most of you joined our mailing list at the J Street Conference or the Ecumenical Advocacy Days.
June 22, 2015 - In This Issue:

LINKING AMERICANS
AND
PALESTINIANS
THROUGH
BUSINESS
PARTNERSHIPS
AND
POSITIVE
INVESTMENTS
Every business transaction and job created will plant seeds of hope so that Palestinians can constructively engage to build a future of freedom and economic independence.

We believe that links between Americans and Palestinians will foster peace, economic activity and that a growing Palestinian economy will make both Palestinians and Israelis more secure.

AVPE has one foot on each side of the ocean with directors from both Palestine and the USA.

Partnership requests usually originate within the Palestinian community. We have engaged a Ramallah consulting firm to screen requests for motivation and readiness to do business with Americans. We will also work with Americans who are motivated and ready to do business with Palestinians.

We are a 501(c)(3) organization and we do not charge a fee for our linking services.
AVPE Co-founder Sam Bahour Wows J Street Crowd
Our Sam Bahour attended the J Street Conference to share the story of AVPE at our exhibit. When J Street learned he was at the conference, they invited him to speak, not once, but twice. Sam filled the room with energy and connection when he spoke to 1000 students at a J Street U plenary session. He also spoke as a panelist to the question "what's next for Palestinian leadership?" To see for yourself why his remarks were so well-received watch here (starts at 13:00 minutes).

Zogby says "AVPE is an initiative worth supporting"
In a  syndicated Huffington Post article
James Zogby named Sam Bahour a Palestinian American hero. Zogby states "AVPE knows that creating jobs, finding markets and growing the private sector can't be set aside for another 20 years because Palestinians need to feed their families and provide for their essential needs today. Sam and his pioneering team recognize that they are inviting businesses to take a risk, but they believe that these are risks that promise high rewards for peace and prosperity."

AVPE makes first
Palestinian - American business link
Laser cut wedding card A Palestinian enterprise designs, prints and packs high-end Christmas cards in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and wants to sell them in the USA. AVPE linked them with an American business that has deep experience in the greeting card industry. We have vetted several additional Palestinian businesses and are in the process of linking them with Americans. Future emails will detail how these links become transactions that benefit the Palestinian people .
AVPE creates a social fundraising campaign
In the coming weeks AVPE will announce its first social fundraising campaign. We invite you to join this campaign. You can donate or   become a social fundraiser to enable AVPE to continue building these vital partnerships. Zogby encourages us to support Palestinians: "The bottom line is that the private sector is essential, resilient and dynamic. And because it is surviving against amazing odds, it deserves support." That is what AVPE intends to do.


Ed Thompson
President and co-founder
[email protected]
+1 847.400.8686

Building and supporting the Palestinian private sector, especially growing small and medium-sized enterprises, is key to job creation and contributes to economic steadfastness -- all non-violent efforts toward independence.