By Karin Kloosterman

Peace in the Middle East may seem elusive, but Jews and Arabs across Israel are working hard to create bridges though business. ISRAEL21c brings you a list of Israel's top ten coexistence business ventures.

Making peace in the Middle East will never be an easy task, but what many people don't realize is that even in the midst of conflict, there are thousands upon thousands of Israeli people working dedicatedly for coexistence and the promise of a better life.

Some of the most effective of these peace projects are those based on business. Peace through prosperity is not a new concept, but as Yoav Stern, director of the Business and Economics Department at the Peres Center for Peace, admits, projects like these help building confidence.

It's a "win-win-win game," says Stern, who helped ISRAEL21c compile this top 10 list. "I think that what's unique in these kind of businesses is the fact that the interests are clear for all sides. In order to have a sound business project you must identify the interests of all sides, not just the Israelis not just Palestinians.

"They are very good ideas when you want to build confidence measures," he adds. "The business community is a very good engine for the peace train and without its commitment and involvement peace will not come," he asserts.

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