LISA FUN

Special to the Jewish News

B

Colni E curz

With Israe

It's not too late to save

a spot to spend the

2/8
2002

78

•
summer on the teen mission.

y the numbers, there clearly
are safety concerns, but 33
teenagers from seven congre-
gations have registered, and
signup continues for Detroit Jewry's
teen mission to the Jewish homeland
this summer.
Guido Aidenbaum's daughter,
Whitney, 14, is among the early regis-
trants for the Jewish Federation of
Metropolitan Detroit-sponsored trip,
despite the Palestinian intifada (upris-
ing).
"I am very excited and happy for her.
I have no reservations about sending
her," the West Bloomfield resident said.
"People get all worked up with the
news reports. Statistically, more harm
can happen here than a terrorist attack
in Israel. I am proud that my daughter
is not intimidated."
Impassioned, the Temple Beth El
member added, "Israel is the land of
the Jewish people. There are 5-6 mil-
lion people that live in Israel and
deal with the possibility of danger
every day. For us, to say we won't
send our kids there, how can we jus-
tify, our obligation? Visiting is an act
of solidarity. We should be ashamed
•of ourselves and don't deserve the
land if we are afraid to visit."
Nonetheless, Oak
Park's Barbara
Frenkel feels "very
uneasy" about her
daughter, Dayna, 16,
going on the trip. "I
have my doubts,' the
Temple Emanu-El
member said.
"Dayna is very excit-
ed about going. My
decision about send-
ing her will be last-
minute. It will be
based on the way
things are going,
both here and there.

Top: Before the meeting, Shana Supowit and Rachel
Taubman, both 15 of Farmington Hills, take a
moment to refuel with the Israeli food

Above: Whitney Aidenbaum, 14, flanked by her
parents, Guido and Connie, listens at the kickoff
meeting.