s'444,1104'
synagogues, encouraging
activism in humanitarian pro-
jects.
Although the organization
plans relief projects targeting
n eedy Jewish populations,
"We also made a commitment
that we would always watch
out for our non-Jewish neigh-
15ors as well," Rosensweig
CH O
explained.
"Being a Jew requires more
than ... a trip to Poland and
Israel. It requires responsibili-
ty for changing the world."
Hence, the inaugural mission
to the rain forests of Guyana.
Guyana was chosen because
J - its great need for medical
help. Fifty cents is spent
annually per person on med-
ical needs in Guyana (as
opposed to $3,500 per capita
in America), and even aspirin
is an unattainable luxury. A
few improperly trained doc-
tors service Guyana's popula-
tion of 770,000. The country
D r. Michael Silverman, leader of the Guyana
has the second highest HIV
sion.
mis
rate in the Western
Hemisphere. Eighty percent of
medical training was taught, and med-
its children are afflicted with worms;
icine was left behind for the popula-
and malaria, typhoid and river blind-
tion.
ness (caused by parasites in the water
Members of the medical team
supply) are rampant.
included
a general internist, a nurse
Although previously a Marxist
and a lab technician.
state, Guyana is now a democracy,
Rosensweig remained in Toronto
with Canadian and American
during the mission to coordinate the
;_mbassies. As a member of the British
effort, although he plans to join future
Commonwealth, Guyana has ties to
relief projects.
Canada, and the population speaks
"The Guyana mission was incredi-
English. There is no political unrest in
ble,"
he said. "We saved many lives,
the country; the government cooperat-
including
little ones who were dying
ed with the mission and the people
of malaria and typhoid. Our team was
welcomed them warmly.
so heartfelt. People were so apprecia-
"On the morning we opened our
tive of our work. I felt that we were
doors," said Dr. Michael Silverman,
living up to our commitment to
36 ' an infectious disease specialist and
tikkun olam. It was great."
d e ader of the mission, "people lined up
Rosensweig said Ve'ahavta's plans
for a mile waiting to meet with us.
include
developing a medical peace
Often they have walked two days for
corps
and
programs with the
our help."
American
Jewish
Joint Distribution
Participants in the two-week mis-
Committee and publishing a "Tikkun
sion set up a clinic in Bartica, a dense-
Olam" journal. The group may also
ly populated, isolated village near dia-
mond mines. The team brought nearly bring medical relief to Zimbabwe. ❑
$14,000 worth of medicine, donated
Ve'ahavta can be reached locally by
`IT Jewish pharmacists in Toronto and
calling David Mittelman at (248)
drug companies that include Bayer
542-8575•Its address is Ve'ahavta,
and Parke-Davis. Beckton Dickinson,
20 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite
another pharmaceutical manufacturer,
901, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
donated Parasite F kits that test for
M4R1K8. The phone number is
malaria.
(416) 487-5472; its E-mail address
"Everything we brought down
is mail@veahavta.org .; and its Web
made a difference. They thought we
site address is www.veahavta.org .
were gods," Rosensweig said. Basic
N,U
Inside: The Year 5757 In Review — Locally, Internationally.
Neighborhood Shifts To Improvement Loans.
Mazel Toy!
DETROIT JEWISH NEWS
Please send all payments
with this coupon to:
The Jewish News
P.O. Box 2267
Southfield, MI 48037-2267
or fax us at:
(248) 354-1210
You're a grandparent. Now your children
will be visiting Grandma and Grandpa all
the time. And when they aren't, you'll either
be babysitting or visiting them.
Knowing your children are so busy, why
not make their lives easier by giving them
their own subscription to the Detroit Jewish
News. After all, they have a whole new
reason to visit!
INTRODUCTION GIFT SUBSCRIPTION CARD
❑ YES! I'd like to send a 52 week gift subscription to the Jewish
News plus five issues of Style Magazine for only $46. (so3
❑ Please Bill Me.
❑ Payment Enclosed.
❑ MasterCard
❑
out-of-state).
Send the gift subscription to:
Charge my: ❑ VISA
Card #
Exp. Date
Name
Signature (required)
Address
My Name
City
My Address
Phone
City
State
State
Zip
Zip
Phone
Gift Card Message
L
Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
N ew subscribers and new gift subscribers only.
GBBT298
4/10
1998
23