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resident's Column by Eli A. Scherr
KERN KAYEMETH lEISRAft
Fire
Emergency!
or most of us, maintenance of the status quo is the norm. In the absence of an unusual event or an emergency, our
lives tend to move in regular predictable patterns. For the people of Israel, the weekend ofJuly 1 and 2 shattered the
fragile status quo of their already unsettled lives. Fires in the forests surrounding Jerusalem destroyed thousands of
acres of land and millions of trees before being brought under control. Whether the cause of the fires was arson, carelessness,
or a combination of factors is yet unknown. The emergency is real.
By their very nature, fires normally have devastating effects. In Israel, the fragile ecology compounds the devastation caused
by such massive damage. Without immediate remedial measures, erosion begins and years of progress and benefit begin to
wash away.
FROM
For many years, Jewish National Fund has been known as the organization that plants trees in Israel. Indeed, during its 94-
year history, JNF has planted more than 200 million trees in Israel and thereby helped to make the desert bloom. In recent
years, we have attempted to send the message that Jewish National Fund does much more than plant trees. Although it is true
that JNF is responsible for building roads, infrastructure, homesites, water reservoirs, and so much more that makes Israel the
growing and vital nation it is today, we remain the organization known for and responsible for the afforestation of Israel.
How can we not feel the effect of the massive destruction of over 2 million trees? How can we not respond to this emer-
gency? No matter the causes, this loss injures all of Israel's citizens. No matter the cause, the loss must be replaced; there is no
alternative and it will be done. Aside from any ecological reasons, our failure to come to Israel's aid at this time will indicate to
the world community that we no longer care abut the long-term survival of Israel and its people. We cannot allow even a tem-
porary lapse in our continuing hope for a safe, secure and prosperous Israel. We cannot turn our back on our own people.
We in America have always responded admirably when emergency threatens. Make no mistake, the fires in Israel have cre-
atedjust such an emergency. JNF needs your help to deal with this problem and implement a solution. Fortunately, this is
one emergency that can be successfully dealt with but your help is urgently needed. Please call the JNF office (810-557-6644)
to offer your support.
Louis Ross Dinner October 19TH
JEWISH
nAllOCIAL
17100 West
10 Mile Road
Southfield, MI
48075
Phone 557-6644
FAX: (313) 557-2412
Plans are proceeding for the
Tree of Life Award Dinner hon-
oring Louis R Ross, Vice Chair-
man of Ford Motor Company.
The Dinner will be held on
Thursday, October 19, 1995, at
Congregation Shaarey Zedek.
Close to 700 people are ex-
pected to attend and establish
a Desert Afforestation Project
in the Negev, bearing Mr. Ross'
name. A Committee Meeting is
scheduled for Wednesday, Au-
gust 16th, at the Dearborn Inn,
and if you are interested in par-
ticipating, please call JNF at 810-
557-6644.
Young Leadership Sponsors Golf Outing
There are still several four-
somes available for the first An-
nual Golf Outing sponsored by
the Young Leadership ofJNF,
scheduled for Monday, August
28th, at Tanglewood Golf Club
in South Lyon. The cost is $80
• per golfer, which includes the
18 holes of golf, cart rental,
lunch, gifts, etc., etc. If you wish
to participate, please call either
of the co-chairmen of the event
- Howard Meyers at 810-855-
0080 or Andy Finn at 313-396-
4600.
In Memory Of Moe Brandwine
The Officers and Members of the Board of Directors ofJew-
ish National Fund extend to Mrs. Moe Brandwine and her
family our deepest sympathy on the recent loss of our former
President, Moe Brandwine. An ardent supporter ofJNF for
his entire life, Moe was honored by JNF in 1974, and Tillie,
herself, was honored in 1987. All of us at JNF extend our sin-
cerest condolences and may the family of Moe Brandwine be
comforted among all the mourners of Zion
"Of Blessed
Memory"
We mourn the loss of LOUIS
BERRY, REGINA FRUMKIN,
JEROME PERSHIN, ESTHER
ROSS, HARRY SALTZMAN
and BELOVED SISTER of Mr.
and Mrs. Paul Voss
Mazel Toy On The
Recent Weddin
Anniversary 0
BILL & ELAINE SERMAN -
50 YEARS; DR. I. WALTER &
ANNE GONTE SILVER - 55
YEARS; IRVING & SARAH
PITT - 60 YEARS. Best wishes
for many more happy and
healthy years together.
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