Half Way There

Federation's Israel Emergency Campaign
raises $700,000 in 10 days.

hard hit by terrorism.
These projects include:
• $1.2 million for an extended day education net-
work. This will expand the after school program
en days have passed since Detroit Jewry's
from 1-5 p.m. for elementary schools in Netanya
umbrella communal fund-raising agency
and in Nazareth Illit. It includes a hot lunch, as well
announced its 30-day Emergency
Campaign to raise $1.4 million on behalf as tutorial assistance for new immigrants. This
expansion was to be funded by the Israeli
of terror victims in Israel.
government, prior to current events and sub-
So far, the Jewish Federation of
sequent funding cutbacks.
Metropolitan Detroit is half way there.
• $500,000 fund for victims and survivors
At the start of the Emergency Campaign
of terrorist activities. This will fund tempo-
on March 28, $4.35 million had already
rary emergency relief to individuals and fami-
been raised toward a total Emergency
lies for immediate needs prior to government
Campaign total of $5 million.
support systems and national insurance being
According to Federation President
available. Includes trauma counseling, trans-
Lawrence Jackier, about $700,000 has been
portation to hospitals and burial assistance.
raised in the past 10 days.
Lawren ce
• $500,000 emergency supportive commu-
Federation is targeting "anybody and
Jackier
nity for the elderly. This will create five sup-
everybody" to donate to the fund, said
portive communities for the elderly to address
Jackier. "My kids at my seder gave their
the isolation needs of older adults living in confronta-
afikomen money."
tion areas. The program includes an emergency call
Ron Klein of Bloomfield Hills has been working
system, meals on wheels, and access to medical servic-
the phones for the Jewish Federation of
es, social activities, communication and security equip-
Metropolitan Detroit's Annual Campaign for more
ment.
years than he can remember, but calling people this
• $100,000 expansion of the NATAL hotline and
year for the Emergency Campaign is different.
"People are responsive in general, but in this situation, trauma center. This supports Israeli citizens who suf-
people, are more reflexively responsive," he said. "Israel is fer from emotional trauma. Programs include a toll-
free crisis hotline, therapeutic social groups that pro-
in its existential fight for its security and our security is
at stake as well. You look at what's happening in Europe vide counseling and support to people injured
directly or indirectly from terrorism.
and on the campuses around the country right now,
• $50,000 for Tzaadim Kadima. Two after-school
and the double standard, and I think that everybody
sports programs in Yavne and Netanya targeting the
wants to step up to the plate and help out."
Ethiopian community. Provides a structured after-
The fund-raising push coincides with the formal
school environment for at-risk youth in grades 3-9.
close of Federation's Annual Campaign 2002 on
• $455,000 SELAH. This will create one of three
April 28.
additional crisis management centers that provide
According to Federation officials, the Annual
assistance to immigrants, primarily from the former
Campaign and the Emergency Campaign together
Soviet Union and Ethiopia, who are directly affected
have raised $30.35 million so far. Federation hopes
by terrorist attacks. Services range from direct aid
to raise a grand total of $35 million.
through medical and legal services; shelter, financial
The Emergency Campaign of one-time gifts will
assistance, and medical equipment to families who
be tapped for grants to fund social-service projects
have no family support systems in Israel. ❑
in Israeli areas with severe economic hardships or

HARRY KIRS BAUM
Staff Writer

T

LAST TWO WEEKS

2002 Annual Campaign
TOTAL
Donation Cards Closed

.

$700,000+
$850,000+

800+

Need To Act

Israel's crisis prompts support,
activism from Detroit Jews.

RONELLE GRIER
Special to the Jewish News

A

fter much soul-searching and research about
safety precautions by her parents, Dena
Roth, 18, of Farmington Hills left last month
for Israel on a youth group mission.
"I certainly can't tell people to go, but I think that's
the best way to show our support," said Roth, who
had been in Israel last summer with her step-brother,
Sam Maxbauer, on a Ramah Seminar program to
Poland and Israel. "When you're there, you remember
that Israel is alive and that we need to stay connected."
But not all Detroit Jews are able or willing to trav-
el to Israel during this troubled time. Still, many are
translating their support
and concern into
action.
In recent weeks, local
Jews have attended a
prayer vigil and memo-
rial at Adat Shalom
Synagogue for Israeli
terror victims and twice
taken to the streets with
posters at busy intersec-
tions to show solidarity. Dena Roth and her step-
They've written letters
brother; Sam Maxbauer,
and sent electronic mail both of Farmington Hills,
to government officials
traveled to Israel last summer.
in support of Israel and
to local media with
praise and criticism about Israel coverage.
And many are responding to the Jewish Federation of
Metropolitan Detroit's Emergency Campaign to raise
additional money for Israel, especially victims of terror.
"I sense a level of activism that I've never seen
before," said Rabbi Daniel Nevins of Adat Shalom
Synagogue in Farmington Hills. "Congregants are
writing letters to legislators and newspapers. We're
encouraging it from the bimah, telling people not to
be passive."
Rabbi Nevins, president of the Michigan Board of
Rabbis, is accompanying a group of 35 metro
Detroiters to New York City for the "Salute To .
Israel" parade on May 5.
Ed Kohl of West Bloomfield writes regularly to a
variety of newspapers as well as local and national
politicians. He is working with the American Israel
Public Affairs Committee to set up a national database
for letter writing and other advocacy activities, and
working with local organizations to coordinate efforts.
Don Cohen of West Bloomfield, a community
activist and Israel advocacy consultant, is working
with local individuals and organizations to coordi-
nate grass-roots advocacy activities, including street-
corner demonstrations such as those in Oakland
County during the past two weeks.

NEED To ACT on page 19

Source: Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit

4/12
2002

15