Letters

Walking For A Cause
Our first Sarah Gittleman Research
Memorial Fund for the Mastocytosis
Society Walk-a-Thon was a great suc-
cess. It's amazing that we were able to
put together this walk in two months
and do so well: We raised more than
$10,000 and had about 150 walkers.
We would like to thank everyone
who participated. We are so fortunate
to have such generous neighbor-
hood communities like Royal Oak,
Huntington Woods, Oak Park and
Berkley to draw from.
A heartfelt thank you to Gittleman
B'nai B'rith Girls chapter for making
'1111111111MEW
posters, putting labels on water bottles Barbara, Laura and Ted Gittleman
Gittleman BBG Chapter members Nicole Leiberman, Elizabeth
and directing walkers. The girls are
Moses and Claire Sinai, all of Huntington Woods
extremely caring and giving. We had
many community sponsors including:
Bakery, Jimmy John's, Kroger, Fruitasia Fruit Market,
and love help save Barbara's life after losing Sarah.
Huntington Woods Recreation Center (facility use), New Meijer, Nello's Family Restaurant, Westborn Market,
There are no words to express our thanks to all except
York Bagel, Sundance Company (water bottles), Office
Southfield Veterans Organization.
to say perhaps your donations will have a part in finding
Depot (printing). Other businesses/organizations helped
The Wing Lake Developmental Center raised $1,000.
a cure for mass cell diseases.
through donations and gift certificates: Lily's Seafood
The staff are the most caring and giving people that
Barbara, Ted, Laura Gittleman
Grill & Brewery Restaurant, Huntington Cleaners, Star
Barbara has every worked with. Their support, kindness
Royal Oak

Knollenberg Delivers
As a community activist and former head
of the Jewish Federation
of Metropolitan Detroit,
I feel compelled to
inform our com-
munity of the sincere
and effective advocate
we have in U.S. Rep.
Joe Knollenberg, R-
Bloomfield Hills.
Rep.
Every time our
Knollenberg
community has come
to Congressman
Knollenberg for support,
be it to help our vulnerable and elderly, our
family in Israel and our local Jewish agen-
cies, he has not only listened, but he has
delivered.
Beyond just our community; Congressman
Knollenberg has supported innovative can-
cer research at Karmanos Cancer Institute in
Detroit and stem cell research for a bio-arti-
ficial kidney at the University of Michigan
Hospital in Ann Arbor.
His senior position in Congress and
his rare ability to work with members of
both political parties is an asset neither
we in the Jewish community nor Oakland

County can afford to lose.

Penny Blumenstein

Bloomfield Hills

Vote For Peters
Edith Brolda
When Seminars for
Farmington Hills
Adult Jewish Enrichment
Beverly Stone
sponsored a debate at
West Bloomfield
the Jewish Community
Center in West Bloomfield,
Knollenberg: Friend, Advocate
the two guest speak-
What sets U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg,
11 R-Bloomfield Hills, apart is that he
ers, Democratic and
Gary Peters
Republican, agreed that
champions support for Israel and sup-
the issue of Israel was off
port for local charities for all the right
the table: clearly both presidential candi-
reasons with no fanfare or self-promotion
dates would support Israel. Similarly, Nine
— something highly unusual among our
District candidates Democrat Gary Peters
political leaders.
and Republican incumbent Joe Knollenberg
Perhaps this is why some people in our
would support Israel.
community may not be aware of what a
Knollenberg should not have a lock on
critical role he plays in Congress. Some
his congressional seat just because he has
may not know that he is one of the most
supported Israel and secured funding for
instrumental leaders in Congress as it con-
Friendship Circle and other worthwhile
cerns Israel's annual $3 billion in security
community causes. We need to consider
assistance, without which Israel could not
Knollenberg's impeccable record for sup-
confront current, much less future, threats.
porting George W. Bush's agenda. He has
He has done this even when it has
steadfastly refused to support women's
required him to oppose his own party and
reproductive rights and stem cell research
president and work with Democratic lead-
because of his religious beliefs. We highly
ers. It troubles me that our community is

ssy

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, Ml
48034; fax (248) 304-8885;
e-mail, letters@the jewishnews.com . We prefer e-mail.

A8 October 23 • 2008

recommend warm letters of appreciation
and well-attended testimonial dinners in
honor of Congressman Knollenberg. But
vote for Gary Peters.

generally unaware of the critical role he
plays.
Congressman Knollenberg deserves
our friendship, our respect and — yes
— our loyalty for his leadership and tire-
less advocacy in Congress on behalf of
the U.S.-Israel relationship and our local
community. JVS, Friendship Circle, the
Holocaust Memorial Center, JARC and
Jewish agencies have benefited from his
and his staff's support and assistance.
If we abandon such a good and loyal
friend as Joe Knollenberg, what does that
say to congressional members across this
country who are considering support for
Jewish and pro-Israel causes? It says that
while our community expects them to be
there for us, we may not be there for them!
It is clear that these are troubling
and uncertain times and the prospect
of change seems appealing. But change
for change's sake is not necessarily a
good thing — especially if, with it, the
Jewish and pro-Israel community loses a
steadfast friend and critical advocate in
Washington.

Marc S. Weinbaum

West Bloomfield

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.