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Making A Heartfelt Connection
J
ews in the diaspora should visit Israel. But we should make the sojourn on
our terms. Our motivation should be a sense of connection to the Jewish
homeland, not merely a sense of obligation.
A visit loses its luster if you don't really know why you are going. Current
tensions in the Mideast only heighten this need to know.
There's no mistaking that organized missions and family excur-
sions are vital to Israel's tourist-starved economy; we might call
these travelers "heroes." But the tumult in the land of our forebears
has driven many others to agonizing introspection, and a decision
to delay going out of fear for their safety.
Since the al-Aqsa uprising broke out last September, Palestinian-
provoked terrorist attacks in Netanya, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have
shaken the resolve of prospective tourists. Tragically, we have seen
that suicide bombers aren't limited to the West Bank or GR77 Strip.
ROBERT A.
Worldwide apprehension aside, Detroit Jewry continues to
respond to Israel's clarion call for understanding, support and
SKLAR
encouragement.
Editor
In January, 200 adults showed solidarity on a mission to Israel
sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. In
April, 50 teenagers and chaperones went on the Federation-sponsored March of the
Living to Poland and Israel. A month later, 50 Michigan college students, sponsored
by their campus Hillel, traversed the Israeli countryside, thanks to Birthright Israel.
Other Detroiters have taken business trips to Israel, gone there on family pilgrim-
ages or been guests of the Israeli government. Six Detroiters will be among the 530
women at Hadassah's national convention Aug. 5-9 in Jerusalem.
Getting Personal
After much soul-searching, West Bloomfield's Richard Loewenstein decided against
competing in Israel's 2001 World Maccabiah Games, which start on July 16. He's
president of Detroit's Gleaners Community Food Bank and a member of the U.S.
fast-pitch softball team that had been entered.
In April, Loewenstein withdrew from the games — which his team also later did
— because he didn't feel the organizers could "guarantee the ath-
letes' safety" In a letter to leaders of Maccabi USA-Sports for
Israel, he said he felt it would be "irresponsible" to participate.
Upwards of 2,000 athletes are expected, about 360 from the U.S.
Loewenstein added, "I believe organizers are acting irresponsibly
by raking a 'business as usual' approach and moving forward with
the games.
Selfish he's not. He vowed to pray for the safety of those who
did go and to "enjoy the experience from afar when you return
Richard
home safely with a gold medal."
Whether you agree with his feelings or you don't, you'd be hard- Loewenstein
pressed to deny that he's right in saying the athletes' safety can't be
assured. I knew that the Federation and Hillel couldn't assure the safety of my
daughter and son on the March of the Living and Birthright Israel trips, respectively,
this spring, yet I believed in the precautions. The Federation also took pains to limit
exposure during its January mission.
Working with the Israeli government, organizers vow the World Maccabiah
Games will go on and the athletes will be protected. Loewenstein isn't raking part,
but three metro Detroiters are — 10-pin bowler Howard Waxer of Farmington
Hills, masters basketball player Michael Fishman of Birmingham and masters bas-
ketball coach Bill Berris of West Bloomfield.
I respect all four — one person's decision shouldn't necessarily affect another's.
There are no absolutes in deciding when to go. A decision to go that's not heart-
felt isn't likely to yield a journey that leaves a lasting imprint.
Ultimately, Israel — a sliver of land precious to our history and heritage as a peo-
ple — cannot survive an indifferent diaspora. It needs us, desperately.
So while we should weigh that need against the risk, the focus for those of us with
the ability to go should be "when," not if"
Related coverage: page 16
Shoah Center's Move
To Fill Urgent Need
On behalf of the Shaarit Haplaytah
Organization of Michigan, I wish to
state that we wholeheartedly support
the Holocaust Memorial Center's relo-
cating in order to accommodate its
vitally ever-growing needed services
("Different Directions," June 29, page
14).
We are inspired and exhilarated that
the Holocaust Memorial Center will
now be able to add a Museum of
European Jewish Heritage and an
International Institute of the
Righteous.
As a Holocaust survivor, I learned
through most painful experiences that
the most important education is an
education that affects behavior and
that values compassion. The
Holocaust Memorial Center has
proven itself beyond anyone's dreams
to be the most impact-filled educa-
tional instrument that affects the
behavior of people.
The Museum of European Jewish
heritage, highlighting the richness of
European Jewish culture, will afford
the visitor an experience of the Jewish
people's rich heritage. The
International Institute of the
Righteous will demonstrate the oppo-
site of the Holocaust evils and serve as
role models for our young people.
From 1984 to date, the Holocaust
Memorial Center served and educated
2'/2 million visitors, most of them
young men and women. No other
Jewish institution anywhere in the
country can match this achievement.
To quote many of the young visi-
tors, "One needs the Holocaust
Center like one needs air." The
Holocaust Memorial Center is recog-
nized worldwide as a jewel. With its
expansion and unique complimentary
additions, it will become a role model
for future character building institu-
tions.
Abraham Weberman
president, Shaarit Haplaytah
Organization of Michigan
West Bloomfield
New Shoah Center
To Be A Jewel
As a member of the executive commit-
tee of the Holocaust Memorial Center,
I feel it necessary to clarify the status
of our impending move ("Different
LETTERS on page 6
SHARE
YOUR
SOUL
Become a
Judaic Volunteer
for JARC
Drop by a JARC home
on Friday night to...
:*- Lead Shabbat prayers
:* Celebrate with JARC
friends at an Oneg- bring
your guitar! Sing a song!
*= Accompany your JARC
friend(s) to services
* Offer lessons in Hebrew
language or prayer to a
man or woman served
by JARC
*- Share photos from your
trip to Israel, Jewish art
books or music with a
JARC friend
A great family volunteer
opportunity!
JARC's Judaic Volunteers
enrich the spiritual lives
of men and women with
disabilities in many ways.
248-538-6610, ext. 349
to find out how you can
share your soul.
Because doing something
good for someone will do a
world of good for you.
Helping people with disabilities
leadfull, dignified lives
30301 Northwestern Hwy. • Suite 100
Farmington Mills, MI 48334
jarc@jarc.org • www.jarc.org
7/13
2001
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