Editor's Letter jarc wwwjarc.org Activism 101 A ctivism_ even the word exudes energy. You feel its current just saying it. It means the practice of vigor- ous action, with commitment, in pursuit of a cause. Sharpening this definition, activist Zina Kramer of Bloomfield Township says an activist is someone who pas- sionately strives to elevate the landscape of our lives. "Activism involves intentional action to bring social or political change," says Kramer, a marketing consultant and public relations professional whose inspiring good will has helped make Michigan a better place to live. Kramer's choice as 2009 Activist of the Year — as selected by the Jewish / = Community Relations Council, Detroit Jewry's public affairs voice — is well deserved. She understands the con- sequences of not participating in a vibrant, multicultural democracy. Kramer was born to Holocaust sur- vivors in Kovno, Lithuania, just months after liberation. She spent time in a displaced persons camp in Germany before the family moved to Detroit, where she grew up and later earned a bachelor's degree and a secondary teaching certificate from Wayne State University. After teaching for five years in Bloomfield Hills, she teamed up with political activist, educator and former state senator Doug Ross. Under Ross' tutelage, she was a consumer reporter for the Michigan Citizens Lobby and co-director of the state senator's district office. She served Gov. Jim Blanchard as a staff member of his Project Self Reliance initiative and as mar- keting manager for the Michigan Department of Commerce. In 1987, Kramer founded Events Marketing; she remains president of the Bloomfield Hills firm. She and Michael, her husband of 40 years, have three children and two grandchildren. Her new children's book, Hugging Grandma, explains behavioral changes experienced by loved ones with Alzheimer's. Kramer's current local board work involves the Detroit Institute for Children, Starfish Family Services, Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network and Public School Academies Detroit. She previously served the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Jewish Activist Zi Home & Aging Services and Wayne State University-College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Affairs. Yes, Michigan It's not hard to be an activist in Michigan, which has no short- age of white-hot concerns or involved citizens. But you must want to do it. You must want to fight battles to bring change and innovation to our schools; like Doug Ross, founder and super- intendent of University Preparatory Academy, a Detroit charter school, has done. You must want to drive political agendas that advocate on behalf of the vulnerable parts of our population. I love how Kramer describes Michigan's penchant for giving: "It's easy to be an activist in a community that takes its philan- thropic support seriously, where volunteerism has stature, where people give of both their time and their money to help those who cannot take care of their own needs — and to provide that help and maintain the integrity of those who are faced with challenges:" From corporations to small companies, from philanthropists to small givers, this state is blessed with people striving to curtail the effects of our ravaged economy. Consider the activists who intro- duce our kids to social programs, revere our elderly and demand medical reform. Whether it's feeding the hungry, assisting with housing, treating the sick, protecting the environment or battling job cuts, we're a state that cares. We'll rise stronger thanks to the spirit of Michiganians, no matter how trying the times. A Rising Crescendo Zina Kramer told the 200 people attending the May 26 JCRC event honoring her, "Activists work with our young people to give them an educated and loving beginning — and to have the confidence of a better tomorrow that makes them want to work hard today." She also talked about cultivating good, young political can- didates, a better business climate, entrepreneurial thinking and a positive attitude about what can be accomplished. "The only way to make our community better:' she said, "is to stay involved, be vigilant, attempt to make positive changes and commit to be an activist each in our own way" Kramer issued this important call to arms: "Whether par- ticipation is defined by casting a vote at the ballot box or by working on a candidate's campaign or participating in the number of important nonprofits throughout the area, partici- pation not only makes for a better community, but also a bet- ter sense of self-worth:' Well put, Zina! Campus Foment While on the topic of activism, there's another trigger of par- ticular importance to the Jewish community. I wish more Jews were more aware of the festering hatred on higher-education campuses. Let's remember: Well-orchestrated anti-Israel events — many well publicized — continue to misin- form students and distort Israel's image. Growing anti-Semitism doesn't help. The counterbalance is vigilant pro-Zionist activism. That means supporting Israel's right to exist as a secure, sovereign state — and hav- ing the facts to discredit anti-Israel rhetoric. It doesn't necessarily mean giving blanket sup- port to everything the Israeli government does. We live in a free society. But calls that emanate on campuses of publicly funded universities for Israel's destruction must never go unchallenged; to do so gives the agitators undue credence. I applaud the Jewish students and organizations responding to this outrage. Clearly, more of them now feel confident enough to test the wild theories, false assumptions and vicious innuendo flung at Israel. American campuses should be a town square for signifi- cant issues affecting the world order. But Jewish activists who believe in what America represents and who have gateways to campus strife must confront the anti-Israel propaganda infil- trating the passions of our young people — our future lead- ers. Why should non-Jews step up if we Jews don't? The campus forces inciting anti-Israel/anti-Jewish senti- ment and indoctrinating the students will grow bolder if we Jews don't temper them via vigorous, peaceful protest that not only debunks the lies, but also inspires fresh thinking. We take Tributes trersouallyt. Personal Greetings Every Card Uniquely Yours Personal Service One Day Processing Personal Attention Customized Special Occasion Tributes PHONE 248.538.6611 FAX 248.538.6615 MAKE TRIBUTES ONLINE 0 : to 1- cc • z z 3 o as Do you consider yourself a prime activist? Is Detroit Jewry active enough in causes? wvvwjarcorg Helping People with Disabilities Be Included in Our Community — All Through Their Lives June 4 2009 1478.35, A5