Resounding Support
IDF ensemble orchestra represents
Israel's soldiers in local celebration visit.
HARRY KIRSBAUM
Staff Writer
C
entered between two large screens showing
images of Israeli daily life and powerful mili-
tary might, the Israel Defense Forces
Ensemble Orchestra performed to an enthu-
siastic crowd in Farmington Hills on May 15 in honor
of Yom HiAtzmaut, Israel Independence Day (May 7).
The ensemble of Israeli soldiers is part of the 60-
member orchestra that has toured on behalf of Friends
of the IDF organizations around the United States.
Locally, it performed at Mat Shalom Synagogue.
"It makes us feel very welcome to see so many peo-
ple," said Limor Ilan, 23, of Tel Aviv, who surveyed
the crowd of 600 before the May 15 performance
with fellow singer Shiran Shahar, 21, also of Tel Aviv.
Related editorial: page 33
5/23
2003
28
"That support helps Israel survive day by day and
sends a strong message to the people of Israel that
they are not alone," said event co-chair Gary
Shiffman of the Michigan Friends of the IDE
He said the ensemble "motivates the brave, young
combat soldiers and allows them for at least a small
moment, a brief pause, to relax and let go of some of
the stress that's related to the enormous responsibilities
that they have."
The IDF orchestra has a very strong friendship with
the Michigan Friends and is invited here every year.
"The Friends is doing a very important job for the
welfare and the well being of our soldiers," said
Capt. Kobi Shamir, 25, commander of the IDF
bomb removal squad. 'A soldier of mine finished the
army and got a scholarship from the Friends, which
allowed him to go to the university."
The annual event raised $51,000 for the Michigan
Friends of the IDF, which supports educational, social
and recreational activities for active-duty soldiers.
Michigan House, sponsored by the Friends, is a rest
and relaxation center in Ashkelon, where soldiers can
take a week off during their tour of duty to relax from
the stress of patrolling the front lines.
The Friends also have established a program to sup-
port soldiers in need, said Shari Kaufman, a co-chair.
"Ez' Rah (help) will provide these young men and
women with essential aid. Donations raised will be used
to purchase food stamps, which will be forwarded to
specific units where impoverished soldiers are located.
"It is our responsibility to make sure that these
soldiers don't have to go through the garbage to find
food for themselves ... or more than what they
already do, which is securing the borders and mak-
ing sure that there are no suicide bombers killing
innocent children and families." ❑
To donate to Friends of the IDE. (248) 203-2060.