Israel's side. We've provid-
ed loving support when
needed, celebrated togeth-
er and, too often,
mourned together.
"It is vital," she added,
"that we send a strong
message to both the
American government and
the American people of
the Jewish community's
unwavering support of
Israel."
The largest rally in the
country brought thousands
of demonstrators to the
streets of New York City
on Oct. 12. These ral-
lies in support of Israel
have been organized
to counter what many
say is a global percep-
tion that the Jewish
state is to blame for
the recent violence in
the Middle East, vio-
lence that shows no
signs of disappearing
despite a ceasefire
announced the
morning of Tuesday,
Oct. 17.
Daniel Horwitz, an
llth-grader at West Bloomfield High
School, dreams of being able to visit his
friends again, both Jewish and Arab,
throughout the troubled region.
As he put it: "I still hope and pray for
the day when I can take that trip and be
received with open arms as an American,
a Jew and a lover of Israel." ❑

For more about solidarity rallies for
Israel, and how to express your opin-
ion to lawmakers and the media,
visit www.detroitjewishnews.com

Clockwise from top left.

I. Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit students Molli Spatter. ofWest Bloomfield, 14,
and Nicki Milgrom of Bloomfield Hills, 14, wear their support on their faces.
2. Robert Feldman of Detroit, a Jewish War Veterans member, listens to speakers at the rally.

3. Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit students Rachel Lachover ofWest Bloomfield, 13, far right, and Sarah Sallen of
Birmingham, 14, bring hope for Israel to the rally.
4. Irwin Shaw of West Bloomfield, a former Jewish Community Center executive director, joins in solidarity with Israel at the rally.

5. Dorene Weisberg-Sobczak of West Bloomfield listens intently to the speakers.

6 Josh Skaif, Avishai Chelst and Azriel Chelst, all of Southfield, carry the Israeli flag through Akiva hallways.
7. Dr. Marvin Trimas of Farmington Hills blows the shofar at the end of the event as a call for unity.

8. Attending the rally is Guido Aidenbaum ofWest Bloomfield, who served in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

the non-Jewish women who work in
her office are any indication, the
American public is not taken in by
Arabic rhetoric.
She said her co-workers feel "Israel
doesn't start anything. And when they
retaliate, they get a raw deal," she said.
Manson said the Arabs profess
peace, but don't feel it. "Why else did
they cut off peace talks three weeks
ago? And what really bothers me is
they're sending children to camp to
become terrorists."
Josh Skarf and Azriel Chelst of
Southfield, 1998 Yeshivat Akiva grad-
uates, brought a collection of signs
and a banner-sized Israel flag to the
rally

"At some point or
other, we are going

to have to learn to
make peace," Skarf

Susan, newcomers to
the Detroit commu-
nity, came to the

rally with their son,
said. "The ques-
Adam, 15, a student
tions are when will
at the Jewish
this happen, how
Academy of
many people will
Metropolitan
have to be killed
Detroit, and daugh-
Above: Phil and Ann Dembs
and what conces-
ters Tova., 1 1, and
Right: Azriel Chelst
sions will Israel
Margot, 8, both
have to make?"
Akiva students.
"It's important to point out,"
Despite their age, Susan Gardin said
Chelst added, - the media portray the
she's glad she brought the girls. "We

Palestinians as being killed and don't
show what the Palestinians are

doing."
Dr. Julius Gardin and his wife

think Detroit is outstanding, the way
the whole community came together
to support Israel," she said. ❑

— Diana Lieberman, stitif writer

10/20
2000

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