Hi! This is David Fraga, one of the LendforPeace co-founders and the individual who you will see most often on this blog. From time to time you may also see contributions from the other members of the founding team (Sam Adelsberg, Andrew Dudum, and Allam Taj) and from guests. Before getting to know us though, I thought it would make sense to explain the underlying purpose of our organization.
LendforPeace.org is a not-for-profit internet platform that allows individuals to lend to specific micro-entrepreneurs in the West Bank. Our mission is to use micro-lending to promote economic opportunity and political stability in the Middle East.
We believe that the health of the Palestinian economy is an important influence on the prospect of peace. With 60% of the Palestinian population living below the poverty line, with median incomes of $2 per day, and with unemployment approaching 60%, it is easy to see how economic stress could compound the historical and political conflicts in the region. Without the opportunity to earn enough to feed one’s children, a person is desperate for a source of hope and dignity. In this region of the world, extremist movements have been able to thrive on such desperation by offering a scapegoat, a purpose and a support network. In this way, addressing the issue of individual economic self-sufficiency means addressing a fundamental driver of the conflict. LendforPeace is part of a pro-market movement that looks to foster economic opportunity through micro-enterprise.
Using our site, you can make a loan directly to a vetted micro-entrepreneur in the Palestinian territories. We work with US Government approved microfinance institutions on the ground that deliver your capital along with training and guidance to individuals that want to find a way to provide for themselves and their families. Over time, your loan is repaid to our partners and returned to you, giving you the opportunity to reinvest and have your dollars put to work not just once, but over and over again. By facilitating the process of individual enterprise in this region, you can make a specific, tangible difference in the overall balance towards stability and peace.
We are looking forward to finalizing the system and to getting it up and running. Look for some exciting announcements and progress reports coming soon!
