Publicis CEO, Maurice Levy. Photo: wiki commons.

Publicis, one of the world’s largest advertising holding companies, has just purchased a 20% stake in the Palestinian advertising company Zoom, and Maurice Levy, the CEO of Publicis is thrilled about the investment.

“It comes immediately after our announcement of the acquisition of BBR in Israel – symbolically, this speaks to every man’s dream of seeing peace in the Middle East and between the Palestinian and Israeli peoples,” he said.

According to Levy, in order for their to be a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, strong economies must be built on both sides – something he says his fellow countrymen should keep a close eye on.

“Moreover, it is also a call to French and international companies to set up in the region and to contribute to creating the economic development, without which there can be no durable peace.”

The new company, Publicis Zoom, has clients which include Coca-Cola, Peugeot, and the Bank of Palestine.

French artist Ron Agam, who is a friend of Mr. Levy, says the investment is indicative of the type of man Levy is.

“This is a man of peace and probably one of the greatest men of communication in the world.  He has a love and passion for Israel and  he feels that this is his contribution to bring together Palestinians, Israelis, and Arabs,” Agam told The Algemeiner.

In 2008, Levy was awarded the International Leadership Award by the Anti-Defamation League for his commitment to promoting tolerance and diversity.

“If you know the region and you know the people that are involved at the highest levels of the Israeli and Palestinian economies, they have close ties,” Agam said.  “They’re not always public, but they’re close, and they both have a common goal – to further the interests of their people.”