Michigan Unity Mission
participants lend needed
support in troubled times.

KERI GUTEN COHEN
Story Development Editor

Jerusalem

hether this was their 20th trip to Israel
or their first, participants on the
Michigan Unity Mission share a com-
mon sentiment: "It feels right to be

From top to bottom:
Diem Ellery, 17, of Farmington
Hills places a prayer in the
Western Wall while
Bassie Shemtov of
West Bloomfield prays.

Eddy Barak (left) of
West Bloomfield serves
challah to mission
goers at the opening
ceremony at the
Western Wall.

MK Amnon Lipkin-Shahak,
minister of tourism, addresses
mission participants at the
opening ceremony at the
Western Walt

Jeff and Susan Levin
of Ann Arbor buy kippot
on Ben Yehuda Street
in Jerusalem.

*IN

1/19
2001

26

here now."
"Israel needs us," Diane Lindholm of Flint said
simply. "People have been very grateful to us for
being here."
Slightly more than 200 Michiganders, braving a
U.S. State Department travel advisory and the fears
of friends and family, got a firsthand look this week
at Israel in its most recent troubled times.
"The Israeli people are hurting, they are bleeding,"
Minister of World Jewish Affairs and Israeli Society
Rabbi Michael Melchior told the group. "It is won-
derful you are here. We need you, your participation,
your caring, your investment in every way."
Tourism has been so depressed since the late
September intifada (uprising) that unemployment is
rising and many merchants who rely on tourists are
suffering. Hotels are nearly empty and sites normally
bustling with people are quiet. Even the Kotel
(Western Wall) area seemed subdued.
The jam-packed mission, from Jan. 14-19, was
organized by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan
Detroit, with support from the Detroit Jewish News,
as a show of support and solidarity.
Activities centered around giving that support
directly to Israelis and to learning more about the
current situation in Israel. Time was carved out of
the full schedule for shopping as well.

Time To Listen

The first several days were spent listening to political
views from high-ranking officials, such as former
Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Minister of Tourism
Amnon Lipkin-Shahak and strategic advisor Ret.
Col. Raanan Gissin.
The speakers made a definite impact on some.
"I really was hopeful the peace process would
work," said Judith Rose of Ann Arbor. "But mostly
from what I've heard here, I realize [Palestinian
Authority leader Yassir] Arafat doesn't want peace,
doesn't want to make the necessary concessions.
Now, it really hit home and I have a more miltant
view. Israel has to stand up and say 'No. No fur-
ther.'"

Related editorial: page 39

