Israel of Oak Park member, attended
the walk for the first time. He
applauded Federation's efforts to
include the Orthodox and its support
of local yeshivot. "It's very positive for
the Federation to go the kosher direc-
tion so that everybody would be able
to participate," Beres said.
About 1,500 people registered for
the Walk for Israel, half the number of
last year's walk, which celebrated Israel's
50th anniversary with a walk from the
JPM JCC to the Detroit Zoo.
This year, the stifling 92-degree
heat may have discouraged some
would-be marchers.. It certainly kept
the speeches to a bare minimum as
Robert Aronson, Federation's execu-
tive vice president, welcomed the

crowd and introduced Eli Barda, the
mayor of Migdal HaEmek in central
Galilee.
"I feel the love all of you have for
Israel," said Barda, here as part of the
Federation's Partnership 2000 program.
"On behalf of the people of Migdal
HaEmek, you are the greatest commu-
nity in the whole United States."

Taking The Heat

As some parents pushed strollers or
carried children on their backs, a
shuttle bus circled the Walk for Israel
route, picking up those too tired and
hot to make it through the 1.7-mile
loop around the north Oak Park.
Some children ran through lawn

Above, clockwise:

A youngster takes in stage
entertainment under steamy skies;
Blochi Kagan, 11, of Oak Park, keeps cool in a sprinkler
in front of the JPM JCC; Caravan members belt out a song;
fest goers dance to the beat of the Caravan; Caravan members sing;
Walk for Israel marchers get around in many ways including
in-line skates; Congregation Beth Shalom congregants
show their synagogue colors.

Facing page: Israel Scouts Friendship
Caravan members kick up their heels.

6/11
1999

Detroit Jewish News

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