* Message From Our President
First and foremost, I am pleased to announce that the Council will
continue to maintain its principal office in the City of Detroit. Our most
important task - coalition building - can best be accomplished in Detroit.
The Past 12 Months:
Desert Storm - During the two-month war, the media called and visited
Council leadership and staff almost 24 hours a day to get the Jewish-
American viewpoint. Because Council was on top of the situation,
Detroit's media, and its non-Jewish community, have a more even-
handed understanding of the Arab-Israeli issue.
Soviet Jewry — We informed the President and Congress on the plight
of the refuseniks and the urgent need for funds to settle Soviet olim in
Israel. We also linked Detroit and Minsk by sending our shaliach, Zvi
Gitelman, there to develop plans for a Hebrew bookstore.
African- American/Jewish Relations—Your Council joined with the major
Detroit African-American organizations in support of a new civil rights
bill. I feel confident that this coalition will continue to work together for
the benefit of both communities.
What were my personal highlights as Council President? First, leading
three Council-sponsored trips to Israel. Bonding with our extended family
in Israel was "Job One!" Second, representing our Council at this year's
Solidarity Sunday Rally in support of Operation Desert Storm and the State
of Israel.
A final thank you to the Council delegates for giving me the opportunity
to serve for the past three years and to the able Council staff, headed by
my good friend David Gad-Harf, for making the right things happen at
the right time.
.........)
Paul D. Borman
President