AROUND TOWN
Doreen and David Hermelin and
grandsons, Matthew and Alex Orley, took
part in the Walk for Israel.
Thousands
participated
in Sunday's
activities
celebrating
Israel's
independence
Nearly 4,000 persons carrying flags and banners marched along the walk route.
sraeli flags waving, balloons
flying, Jewish foods cooking and
music blaring were some of the sights,
sounds and smells emanating from
the Jewish Community Center on
Sunday as Detroit Jewry enjoyed the
sun and spring air to demonstrate by
the thousands its support for the
Jewish state.
Beginning with a Walk for Israel
at which nearly 4,000 painters-hat-
adorned marchers waved flags and
banners, the day continued with
Jewish singers and bands encourag-
ing their audiences to dance and clap
along with the music. Moroccan
Jewish folk songs, Israeli songs, Yid-
dish favorites and even Ladino
melodies enlivened the crowds.
Grandmas and grandpas strolled
with balloon-laden grandchildren
with ice cream and frosting-streaked
50 FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1988
faces. Teenagers danced and ate.
Couples waltzed and seniors sat and
enjoyed the entertainment, both on
stage and on the parking lot dance
floor. Younger children were treated
to an arts and crafts booth at Camp
Ruth, while art lovers viewed pieces
by visiting Israeli artist Raphael
Abecassis inside the Maple/Drake
Center.
As the outdoor festivities at the
Center wound down, the Israel Trade
Fair was picking up steam as exhibits
were readied for the nearly week-long
event.
Although there were questions
about kashrut, concerns over the con-
gestion of the parking lots and leaflet-
ting of vehicles, the participation of
the Detroit Jewish community show-
ed that its support of the Jewish state
is unflagging. ❑
Three generations of Babcocks, Lou, Noah and Howard, joined the others.