2005 9-3 LINEAR Detroit's Connection Friends of the IDF national director lauds local efforts to help soldiers. HARRY KIRS BAUM StaffWriter N ear Latrun in Israel, next to a border patrol base that will be built soon, will be a cultural and sports center funded solely by the Michigan Friends of the Israel Defense Forces. The $1.5 million Cultural Wellbeing & Sport Center at the Yamam Border Patrol Base is planned to be completed in 2007. Retired Brig. 3. Gen. Yehiel Gozal, g' Friends of the Israel x Defense Forces national director, was in Detroit briefly last week to visit the local FIDF group and laud Gen. Gozal them for their efforts. "While the need for the military budget goes up because of the Muslim terrorism, the budget is being cut on the other side," said Gen. Gozal, who spent 27 years in the IDF as a com- mander in the paratroops brigade. He explained that the military only Correction In a World story reacting to the London bombing ("Local Reaction," July 14, page 16), a letter from 11 local Arab communi- ty leaders was combined with a statement from the Dearborn-based Islamic Center of America, which ran in full. • The leaders' letter reads: "We reject and condemn terrorism under any name. We specifically reject those who defame the peaceful faith of Islam with their violent acts. "If the current series of bombings in London are perpetuated by some who claim to be Muslims, they are only dis- torting Islam for achieving their political aims. "Acts of violence and terrorism prac- ticed by some groups in Iraq and other countries in the name of Islam are against the principles of Islam. We unequivocally reject their practices. "Here at home, we stand in solidarity with Americans of all faiths in condemn- ing these abhorring, unjustified and bar- baric crimes. We call upon every citizen to provides the basics and has dropped the social and welfare benefits needed by the soldiers. The FIDF's programs include schol- arship programs for combat veterans from disadvantaged families and other support for needy or wounded soldiers. The FIDF also builds recreational and educational facilities, mobile gyms and synagogues for the soldiers, Gen. Gozal said. "If we don't do it, no one else will." Gary Shiffinan of West Bloomfield, newly elected Michigan FIDF presi- dent, said he is proud of the strong connection between Detroit and Israel. "The connection between the sup- port of the Jewish community of Detroit to the young men and women who are on the front lines — basically securing a safe Israel — providing so many of the non-political and military needs that go on unsupported is key to what the program is all about," Shiffman said. The Michigan FIDF is planning its annual dinner for Oct. 27 at Congregation Shaarey Zedek. For more information, visit www.soldiers.org or call (248) 203-2060. ❑ cooperate with our law enforcement agen- cies for the security of our nation. "As Muslim Americans, we offer our sincere condolences to the loved ones of those who suffered in these tragic acts. We call upon all the faith leaders to dedicate this week's prayer services to the victims of this tragedy, pray to free our communities of hatred, ask God to grant us patience and pray for the world peace." • The Dearborn-based Islamic Center of Americas statement reads as follows: "The Islamic Center of America unequiv- ocally condemns the heinous acts of terror- ism against the people of London. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the fam- ilies of the victims and the British people. "Islam considers the use of such brutality to be totally unacceptable. No cause could ever be justified by such immoral acts. We pray to the Almighty God for a speedy recovery of those who have been injured — physically and emotionally — as a result of senseless and inexcusable acts of terror. We are all one humanity, and we will continue to pray for safety and peace in America and throughout the world." 1 8 9* \•:11 , 1111: FOR LIg;HwAv;-,:,i:t....•:. IIHS Double Best Pick 2005 9-2X LINEAR 171'61686. $1 2005 9-7X $ 350* 24 MO LEASE *24 mo. lease plus tax, title & plate. Sec. dep. waived on approved credit.9-3 & 9-7 = $2.999 total due at signing. • Plus tax, title, plate, destination & doc. fee. All based on approved credit & GMS pricing. Must qualify for Oldsmobile loyalty. All rebates to dealer. GLEISSMEIM SAAB On Telegraph at The Tel-12 Mall, Southfield - 1 -888-306-5188 ATURDgy 100538C SHERWOOD'S ONCE-HEAR TENT SALE JUN 2940-31 EVERYTHING IN THE TENT 50%45% OFFImsR, EVERYTHING IN THE STUDIO 50% OMR, EVERYTHING... NOTHING HELD BACK!! EVERYTHING IN THE GIFT DEPT. 30% OFF/. SELECT iron_ 50% OFF! 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