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Pr!
Ecumenism Can
Bring Peace
Expulsion Would
Spur More Strife
I have been communicating with reli-
gious leaders to dialogue with each
other, to meet, talk and confide with
aiming for and reaching
each other
out to eliminate hate and to achieve
personal relationships and respect.
We understand each other's motives;
we avoid demonstrations; we serve on
interfaith boards with each other; we
appear at programs together and serve
on panels on TV shows — all driving
toward building personal and group
relations. This fertile field needs only
some watering and weeding. We can
— we must — do it, and now is the
time.
There was a U.N.-sponsored con-
gregation of major leaders of major
religions in May with chief rabbis
from all over the world — two chief
rabbis from Israel. It was well received
by everyone in attendance.
It could be happening; let's not be
the last ones aboard. We Jews have so
much to offer; let's encourage our
leaders to get on board. There will be
opposition. If we anticipate their posi-
tion, we can see that peace and good
can dominate.
Religion, which has been blamed for
causing history's wars, can be used to
help declare peace and good will
toward all of God's creation.
At the regular meeting of the execu-
tive committee of the Labor Zionist
Alliance of Detroit, a discussion was
held regarding the decision of the
Israeli cabinet to expel Palestinian
Authority President Yasser Arafat from
Ramallah.
It was the unanimous feeling of the
officers present that the decision to
expel Arafat was a political mistake.
The decision would only complicate
the peace process. It would also turn
world opinion against Israel. The
board voted unanimously to forward
our feelings to the Jewish community.
Arnold Michlin
Waterford
An Amazing
Extended Family
I was most interested in reading your
article about one of Detroit's newest
radio personalities, Mike Berrin
("Hip-Hop Jew," Sept. 19, page 80).
In a business that is so competitive,
it is so nice to have a new member of
our community want to be such a
strong part of Jewish life here in metro
Detroit. I had the pleasure of meeting
Mike and his charming wife, Chantel,
along with their three delightful chil-
dren and I am so happy that they have
found a home in our synagogue.
I encourage all the members of our
community to become a part of a syn-
agogue or temple and join an amazing
extended family.
Janet Pont
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Southfield
9/26
2003
6
Jewish community.
Rabbi Dr. Yigal Tsaidi
educational director;
Yeshivat Akiva-Southfield
Tzvi Schostak
president,
Kollel Torah MiTzion-Detroit
:
In Search
Of Peace
As a person who lives "there," where
the efforts for peace in the Middle
East are directed, I read the comments
on the vigil outside a University of
Michigan Hillel event in Ann Arbor
with
more than a passing interest
Bernard Schiff
("Controversial Vigil," Sept. 12, page
Huntington Woods
22).
Sometimes, we Jews are so smart we
outsmart ourselves. The problem with
Palestinian society does not necessarily
lie with the occupation, though I
admit a tank in front of your doorway
is not pleasant. Islamic Arab society in
We would like to thank the Detroit
the Middle East, at least, lacks the
Jewish News for sharing with its read-
leadership to make the right decisions
ers our excitement over the growth of
on issue relating to their own lives.
the Kollel Torah MiTzion of Detroit.
How can you expect their leaders to
In your article ("New Emissaries,"
handle the Arab-Israeli conflict?
Sept. 19, page 60), you emphasized
Like the Cossack attacked by the
the expansion of our activities to West
person whom he seeks to injure, a
Bloomfield, with the addition of
hateful parent who agrees to send his
Rabbi Assaf and Sharon Tzobel to our
hateful child to kill innocent Jews is
team. Please allow us to use this
not an innocent bystander. Are Jews
forum to thank Rabbi Elimelech
supposed to accept every argument
Silberberg for his assistance and to
the enemy gives us that our lives are
welcome yet another addition to our
worthless?
Kollel this year, Rabbi Zeev and
It's obvious to anyone with a
Odelia Arbesman, who are residing in
Western orientation that it is better to
Southfield. Together with Rabbi Zvi
negotiate differences than to resolve
and Na.ama Fass of Oak Park, these
them by violent means. Shortly after
fine young couples comprise the core
the establishment of the State of
of our Kollel.
Rabbi Karmi Gross, then education- Israel, Prime Minister David Ben-
Gurion began a long and painful
al director of Yeshivat Akiva, founded
process of making peace with
Kollel Torah MiTzion-Detroit five
Germany and other Eastern European
years ago with the generous support
nations that were responsible for
and guidance of Dr. and Mrs. Larry
crimes against the Jewish people.
Loewenthal and Dr. and Mrs. Jay
The Islamic Arab nations have yet
Novetsky of Southfield.
to accept Western values, as we under-
A unique partnership comprised of
stand them. Considering the options,
the board of Kollel Torah MiTzion-
I might suggest that Israel is doing
Detroit; the Kollel families led by our
what it must do to survive, to keep
Rosh Kollel and his wife, Rabbi
the Jewish people alive.
Shlomo and Tali Sobol; and the edu-
Lest we forget, our forefather Jacob,
cational staff of Yeshivat Akiva work
aka Israel, when faced with the dilem-
tirelessly to advance the mission of
ma of losing his birthright, entered his
Kollel Torah MiTzion, namely, the
father's tent with the hands of Esau,
dissemination of the unique spirit of
and spoke with the voice of Jacob.
Torah learning from Eretz Yisrael and
the ideals of religious Zionism.
Zev Davis
We feel truly blessed to serve as one
Nazareth Illit, Israel (in Detroit Jewry's
more piece in the mosaic of educa-
Partnership 2000 region)
tional opportunities available in our
Kollel Torah M iTzion
Pleased With Growth
Hopeful
President Bush ur es
prayer for- peace
and toleran
Washin tOn/ITA
resident George W.
Bush offered the follow-
ing Rosh Hashanah
message:
"I send greetings to those observ-
ing Rosh Hashanah.
"For the Jewish community in
the United States and around the
world, this holiday marks the
beginning of the New Year and
the onset of the Days of Awe.
Rosh Hashanah is a time to seek
the mercy and forgiveness of the
Almighty and your fellow man, to
reflect on past actions and to
demonstrate renewed commit-
ment to faith and family.
"May you find inspiration for
the days ahead as you remember
the devotion of Abraham and
Isaac and their willingness to sac-
rifice everything to do right.
"During this holy time, I
encourage you to pray for peace
and mutual understanding
throughout the world.
"May we build a future of
promise and compassion for all,
and may the coming year be filled
with hope and happiness.
Laura joins me in sending our
best wishes for a blessed Rosh
Hashanah."
President Bush