Friends Of Israel

American Red Magen David honors the Charaches as bears and blankets are sold to comfort Israeli children.

F

DON COHEN
Special to the Jewish News

Norma Dorman, both of West Bloomfield,
and Nancy Adler of Farmington Hills, the
goal of the project is to equip ambulances
or Natalie and Manny Charach, it's
with cuddly stuffed bears and warm blankets
really quite simple: "Nachos, helping
to provide comfort and warmth for young
people, gives us joy."
passengers.
The couple, known for their phi-
"We struggled the last few years with how
lanthropy both here and in Israel, was honored
we can get kids involved in our efforts," Stay
at the annual dinner of the Dr. John J. Mames
said. "We wanted to find a way children in
Chapter of the American Red Magen David in
the U.S. can help kids in Israel because we
Israel (ARMDI), held Aug. 25 at Adat Shalom
know they are thinking about them and wish-
Synagogue.
ing them a refuah shlema [complete recov-
While the celebration was tempered by the
ery]."
many human tragedies Israel has faced these
Children at local congregations and Jewish
past few years, there was pride and satisfaction
schools will be making the bears themselves.
that local support for ARMDI has made a criti-
First, they will read a story written by Adler
cal difference in Israel's ability to withstand the
and participate in a short program developed
deadly campaign of terror.
by Rabbi Scott Bolton of the Jewish Academy
The Charaches have been sought-after hon-
of Metropolitan Detroit. Then, the youngsters
orees for other organizations, but have always
will receive a satin heart they can kiss and
refused. But they overcame their hesitation
make a wish over, and build a bear around it.
because of their close connection to ARMDI,
Students at Temple Israel will be the first to
the requests of dear friends and the desire to
participate in the project on Monday, Sept.
inspire others to philanthropy and involvement.
23, and Congregations Shaarey Zedek and
"Years back, I had to hock Natalie's wedding
B'nai Moshe, Adat Shalom Synagogue,
ring and receive assistance from the Hebrew
Temple Shir Shalom, Hillel Day School of
Free Loan," Manny Charach said, explaining
Metropolitan Detroit and JAMD also have
that today's Jewish youth haven't had to experi-
signed on to help.
ence the adversity faced
To kick off the project, young volunteers at
by many of their parents
the Aug. 25 dinner reception sold bears and
and grandparents.
blankets for $18 each. Purchasers were given
"I haven't forgotten —
the option of keeping the items or donating
and I want others to
them to Israel for the ambulances. Most chose
know — that there are
to donate back.
many good organizations
Hannah Miller, 15, of Bloomfield Hills
that need someone not
organized the dozen, mostly teenage, volun-
just to write a check, but
teers who sold the bears and blankets. The
Ambulances, bears and blankets are signs of aid provided by the
to get in and do some-
items
went fast, she said.
American Red Magen David in Israel organization.
thing with them. That's
"Everyone I asked said `yes,' said Hannah.
the feeling Natalie and I
"Everyone was very willing to do it."
Honorees Natalie
both
have.
badly needed bulletproof ambulance. Their first
David Weschler, 15, of West Bloomfield, agreed.
and Manny Charach
"This is the only honor
ambulance was given in July 1977.
"It's for a great cause, and it's a mitzvah," he said.
, that we will ever accept; not
In addition, the recently opened Charach Medical
"It's real good for the kids in Israel to have some
because I'm against it," Manny said, "but because
Center in Israel's southern coastal town of Ashdod,
comfort."
there are a lot of persons who deserve to be hon-
provides local medical services for a city of 210,000
Israeli-born Gaal Surugeon, also 15 and from
ored."
that lacks its own hospital.
West Bloomfield, said he was "glad that being so far
The presentation of ARMDI's Distinguished
Testimonials at the dinner came from family and
from Israel I can do something to help out."
Humanitarian Service Award to the Charaches hon-
friends. Well-wishers around the room came up to .
A top seller for the night was Rachel Miller, 5, of
ors the tremendous contributions they have made
the Charaches to personally say "thank you." But it
West Bloomfield, who can't wait for the Israeli chil-
toward strengthening the emergency, ambulance,
was the simple toast made by their longtime friend
dren to get their bears and blankets. "I think they'll
blood and medical services available to the entire
Michael Berman of Novi that may have best
like them," said Rachel, who was pleased about
population of the State of Israel.
expressed the feelings of all: "May the sun continue
helping. "I really like doing it. I think I'm going to
Judith Grant Granader of Bloomfield Hills, who
to shine on Manny and NAalie; may there be peace
send some money to the people in Israel."
was dinner co-chairperson with Shari Ferber
in Israel; God bless America."
Kaufman of West Bloomfield, told the audience that
Operation Bear And Blanket
not only have the Charaches chaired the local
For information about Operation Bear and
Mames chapter for a dozen years, but they also have
Blanket, call (248) 661-8900. For information
The evening also marked the kick-off of a new proj-
about ARMDI, call (248) 353-0434.
donated 27 ambulances, including mobile intensive-
ect for ARMDI called Operation Bear and Blanket.
care units. Most recently, the Charaches provided a
Developed by members Sheri Levenson Stay and

8/30
2002

30

\

\ \

\u

\\ \ `.

\\\, \

\

\