Community Spirit When we heard about the fire at Hechtman Jewish Apartments and that many of our friends had lost their homes, the residents at Teitel Jewish Apartments were quick to respond ("Beyond The Blaze April 17, Al 1). Although we live on very fixed incomes, our residents contributed $1,000 to help the Hechtman residents. We did this because we under- stand the value of a strong, tight-knit community. As members of the Jewish community, we all know how important it is to support each other, especially in times of misfor- tune. I remember how the Jewish com- munity welcomed me and my family and helped us get settled when we first came to this country. In the 19 years since I've been in the United States, I have felt the support of the entire community on a daily basis. The Jewish community subsidizes our meals and day camps. The Russian community supports our fundraisers. Nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities contribute funds to maintain our building. Local emergency services are quick to respond when one of our residents needs help. Our appreciation and love for the Jewish community is endless and that's why our Resident Council was so quick to respond when our friends at Hechtman Jewish Apartments needed our help. The efforts of a single person or a small group can have an enormous effect on the greater good. Malka Sklarskaya, Resident Council president Teitel Jewish Apartments Oak Park Learning At Hillel When I saw the JN cover last week, I was delighted that Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit was featured on the front cover by the beautiful Mattler family ("50 And Counting," May 29, A15). My husband, Tal, and I decided to send our, children to Hillel when our oldest child was entering first grade. Two years have flown by and now we have two chil- dren at Hillel (Adi and Maya) who love what they are learning. They love being Jewish. They break out in Hebrew song at all times of the day. They adore and respect their teachers. They are learning, growing and finding their way in the world. Whether you are a "third generation" Hillel student, or there beginning a first generation, Hillel is a welcoming, warm, special place. As a Jewish educator, I am thrilled that my children are getting such a great, nurturing Jewish education. And as their "Jewish mother," I'm glad that they are developing such a strong Jewish identity that will, God willing, carry them through life. Mazel Toy to Hillel Day School on reach- ing such an important milestone. Lisa Soble Slegmann Oak Park The Right Choice Deciding the Hillel Day School experi- ence for your child is a difficult task, and I smiled as I read your article "50 and Counting" (May 29, A15). I smiled because my husband and I are so fortu- nate that we chose Hillel. As a public school educator and con- tinuing advocate of public schools, many people may wonder why our daughter is attending Hillel Day School. I strongly believe that every child deserves a quality education in a clean, safe environment. I always vote for funding and supporting our public schools. Before I became a parent, there was never a question in my mind that I would send my children to public school where I witnessed firsthand the wonderful cur- riculum. But when I actually became a parent, I realized that I wanted more than just a wonderful academic curriculum. More than anything, I wanted my children to become ethical and caring adults with a strong Jewish identity. I did not realize it at the time, but what I was looking for was right at Hillel Day School. Being an educator, I was initially critical of the daily academic program at Hillel because it included a dual curriculum. However, I found it to encourage creative thinking and challenge all levels of learn- ers. My daughter is not missing anything academically; rather she is gaining an appreciation for her Jewish heritage and how to carry out our traditions and values. I am confident that she will possess the knowledge to stand up for the rights of Jewish people and know how to defend How to Send Letters We prefer letters relating to JN articles. We reserve the right to edit or reject letters. Letters of 225 words or less are considered first. Longer ones will be subject to trimming. Letter writers are limited in frequency of publication. Letters must be original and contain the name, address and title of the writer and a day phone number. Non-elec- tronic copies must be hand signed. Send letters to the JN: 29200 Northwestern Highway, Suite 110, Southfield, MI 48034; fax (248) 304-8885; e-mail, letters@the jewishnews.com . We prefer e-mail. A8 June 5 • 2008 herself when challenged. I will always be an educator and I will always be a proponent of public schools for our community. But I am a Jewish par- ent first, and that will be the driving force of my decisions for shaping my children's lives. Marla Golnick West Bloomfield Essential Compromise It is abundantly clear that if Israel is to remain a "Jewish state and if a resolu- tion of the two-state issue is to occur, bold moves must be made by Israeli leadership (and without sanctimonious interference from well-meaning outside Jewish orga- nizations whose leaders are not sending their boys and girls to the front line). One of those moves should be that East Jerusalem become controlled by, if not become the official territory of, the new Palestinian state. The Arab residents of East Jerusalem should become citizens, and the respon- sibility of, and voters in, that new state. The demographics and birth rate of the conflicting parties point out the obvi- ous realities and the necessity of such a compromise. As a recent article in the New York Times indicated: Without "a Palestine ... Arabs under Israeli control will, in the not-distant future, outnumber the country's Jews:' The needed compromise is essential to the Palestinians and perhaps even more so to Israel. Stuart Sinai West Bloomfield McCotter's Message The Honorable Thaddeus McCotter, con- gressman from the Michigan's 11th dis- trict, addressed approximately 150 people June 1 at the Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills in an event sponsored by the Zionist Organization of America/ Michigan Chapter. Congressman McCotter has a long history of ardent support for the State of Israel and the war against militant Islam. He currently is co-sponsoring HR 758, which asks for the Abrogation of 10 articles in the Fatah Constitution demand- ing the destruction of the State of Israel. Palestinian Prime MinisterMahmoud Abbas, Israel's latest peace process inter- locutor, is the head of the Fatah party. The congressman has also organized members of Congress into a new group called the U.S. Anti-Terrorism Caucus, which tries to educate Congress and the American people concerning the very real dangers facing the world. He discussed the danger to a society that refuses to recognize there is such a thing as evil in the world that has nothing to do with social or economic inequities. He spoke of Iran and the fact that not only must it be stopped from obtaining a nuclear weapon, but also not be allowed to export terrorists as lethal instruments of negotiation. He went on to address many other issues of great importance to all of us — the U.S. economy, the immigration problem, global warning. In the process, he displayed a depth of knowledge and a realistic approach enthusiastically applauded by the audience. Jerome S. Kaufman Bloomfield Hills REPO 'cha Don't Know There are five so-called "mixed cities" in Israel where Jews and Arabs live together. Can you name them? —Goldfein ALEFBET'cha runs every other week. to Copyright 2008, Jewish Renaissance Media •eller pue wpm 'eneil salweel :Jahtsuy Our JN Mission The Jewish News aspires to communicate news and opinion that's useful, engaging, enjoyable and unique. It strives to reflect the full range of diverse viewpoints while also advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and con- tinuity. We desire to create and maintain a challenging, caring, enjoyable work environment that encourages creativ- ity and innovation. We acknowledge our role as a responsible, responsive member of the community. Being competi- tive, we must always strive to be the most respected, outstanding Jewish community publication in the nation. Our rewards are informed, educated readers, very satisfied advertisers, contented employees and profitable growth.