feature: teen mission 2008

ex' eriences bond
Detroit teens
Israel and
eo le.

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Above: Cantor Frank Lanzkron-Tamarazo of Adat Shalom Synagogue In Farmington Hills prays at the Western Wall with Mlles Gordon, 15, of Temple Shir Shalom In West Bloomfield.
Below: Teen Mission participants add stones to Michael Levin's grave at Mt. Herzl.

Editor's Note:

Doron Herman was a Teen Mission
2008 (TM08) madrich, or counselor.
He is from Federation's Partnership
2000 region, the Central Galilee, and
previously participated in Federation's
Israeli camper program at Tamarack
Camps as a camper in 2002 and a
counselor in 2005.

This was Doron's message:

"People, like us, may forget details, dates, events — but we never forget the way we feel, when the

hearts open up, when other people's words and smiles come through.

"For me, TMO8 was about thousands of small and little special moments that, with the years,

might be forgotten, but I know for sure I will never forget the way you guys made me feel.

"Michael Levin's movie was powerful and meaningful for all of us. Right after we finished watch-

ing, some of you cried and shared with me your honest feelings about Israel and the IDF. You

mentioned that you feel that Israel is your home and you will continue to support my country from

During the past three years of his
army service, Doron served as a
reporter/news editor for the Israel
Defense Forces radio station, Galei
Tzahal. In September, he will report
for Israel's Channel 10 News.

Ahead of their visit to Mt. Herzl, the
teens viewed the video story of IDF
soldier Michael Levin, who made ali-
yah from Philadelphia, and was the
only "lone soldier" (overseas volun-
teer) killed in the Second Lebanon
War in the summer of 2006. The
teens visited his grave at Mt. Herzl,
where Doron spoke to them.

Birmingham, West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills.

"I want you to know that you don't have to make aliyah or join the IDF in order to become Mi-

chael Levin. We need you guys to be strong for us in your colleges, neighborhoods and wherever

you choose to live your lives.

"I hope that after TM08, most of you will

join the army of loving and supporting Am

Israel (the People of Israel), which is not less

important than the real thing.

"I, Doron Heiman, IDF No. 7713520, sa-

lute you, my friends and broth-

ers. I am proud to be a part of

your community and family."

Doron Herman, 22, of Narareth hilt

B2 teen2teen August • 2008