Bringing Our People Together

MICHIGAN/ISRAEL
C NNECTION

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T

here's a piece of Israel on the third floor of
the Federation building. No sand or olive
trees, mind you, but plenty of opportunities
to connect with the Jewish nation and its spirit.

It's where young people sign up for a major teen
mission or a college study/work trip — often the
first step on a journey of self-discovery as a Jew.
It's where ideas are born and carried out for local
Israel events that bring the entire community
together in pride — gatherings like the IsraelFest
or Sheba Choir concert, or Yom Hazikaron. And,
sometimes, it's where a family begins the odyssey
of aliyah — preparing for a new life in Israel.

The Jewish Federation has a stake in the
Michigan/Israel Connection. Both want our Israel-
diaspora connection to be strong. Both encourage
every Jew to see Israel because they know even
the shortest visit can change a life. Not only that
they'll do everything they can to get a young
person there, including granting merit or financial
need scholarships.

There's a major education component to all of this.
That's why Federation tapped an educator from
Israel to serve as shaliach, director of the
Michigan/Israel Connection office.

Ask him how he'd convince young people and
their families to consider Israel as the premier
travel/study option. He has an answer:

"You go to other countries and you learn about those
countries. You go to Israel and you learn about yourself"

Th is is -Pecleration

Visit us on the Web: www.thisisfederation.org