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www.jarc.org
Revitalizing The Black/
Jewish Alliance
Kudos to Arthur Horwitz and Bankole
Thompson for conceiving and making
happen the Black/Jewish Forum. It was
truly a special evening, and I am thank-
ful that I attended.
While the implicit theme for the eve-
ning was the state of the Black/Jewish
socioeconomic alliance, the real theme
was revitalising the relationship between
African Americans and Jews, one that
has been very strong in the past. The
panel members spoke eloquently of fond
memories of that relationship but also
recognized that it has waned in recent
memory.
This forum aims to change that. It's
definitely a step in the right direction
and one that we must all support, not
just with words but also with action. One
word that was repeated several times was
the need for volunteers and their active
participation in this effort.
Arthur and Bankole are working to
develop and refine a new model for
black-Jewish collaboration. They have
given us an opportunity to help them,
and I for one plan on doing just that.
Who's going to join me?
Executive Director, Temple Shir Shalom
ous captivity, Israel's streets were filled
with dancing, social network sites were
abuzz with reactions and the collective
Jewish heart was unified in a sigh of
relief. With such a momentous occa-
sion, one would expect, or even take for
granted, extensive coverage of the event
in the Jewish News. As a community that
maintains strong ties to Israel and its
people, we find it surprising, if not dis-
appointing, that this story was relegated
to a 2-inch photo and short article
("Gilad Comes Home" Oct. 20, page 20),
upstaged by Judge Small's cover story.
The Jewish News consistently shows
dedication to solidarity with the land of
Israel, so this occasion seemed an unusu-
al and shocking exception. With all due
respect to Small, we wish to see a truer
reflection of our community's priorities
on the cover and within the weekly issue.
As a religious Zionist youth move-
ment, Bnei Akiva represents key Jewish
values that pull us together, and such a
cause naturally resonates with our pas-
sion. Gilad Shalit's horrific trials and
triumphant freedom is intrinsic to every
Jew, regardless of affiliation. We cannot
underestimate such a figure's vital role in
our wholeness. We hope to see coverage
in the future that makes apparent what
we all hold dear.
West Bloomfield
Bnei Akiva Detroit youth delegation
Andre Douville
Southfield, West Bloomfield and Oak Park
Editor's Note: See related story, "The First
Step," on page 14.
Keeping Our Youth
In Metro Detroit
I was so happy to read "Best and Brightest"
(Oct. 20, page 1) on the event hosted by
IN publisher Arthur Horwitz and his wife,
Gina. Its good to see Gov. Rick Snyder's
interaction with young Jewish profession-
als and his desire to truly encourage our
youth with great potential to stay and grow
in Detroit.
It is most interesting that all of the
efforts by Mr. Horwitz, including his series
of editorials and the numerous programs
at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan
Detroit (Community Next/ Young Adult
Department!, Moshe House) have the
same goal. Both of them overlap with
efforts to retain young professionals of any
faith in Midtown Detroit and especially
Dan Gilbert's wonderful incentives in
Downtown Detroit.
I have lived in our area for almost seven
decades and I have never been as proud of
our community. We can't stand still, and
we aren't standing still.
Harvey S. Bronstein
Southfield
Gilad Coverage Too Little
Upon hearing of Gilad Shalit's release
after more than five years in tortur-
Davison Is A iMentsch`
Ed Davison is the real deal ("Still Big
Man On Campus',' Oct. 20, page 30). He
earned his way to success at the Bivuoac
the hard way. He worked it! He was there!
He was an honest kid who had a dream,
the American Dream. I knew Ed from the
beginning. Our company provided him
with some of the hats and gloves he sold
in his shop. It was all about his character.
Give him credit? Of course, he was on the
job and living it daily. He is honest, and
not tricky when it comes to his creditors.
Waiting on customers, listening to
and filling their needs, and growing his
own retail intellect brings him to today.
He was selling used clothing when he
began. Now he has all the brands his
customers want and buy. He is respect-
ed by the trade and is consulting with
many suppliers. Now, he has the oppor-
tunity to take business to the next level.
It's a joy to read a human-interest
story about a successful community
member who has proven that hon-
est hard work — with a focus on cus-
tomers' needs — can still be successful
in this day and age. And, he has hired
interns at his store that will help grow
the future retailers of tomorrow. Above
all, he is a mentsch.
David Broner
Oak Park Mayoral Race
Story Fair And Balanced
I want to compliment Julie Edgar on the
article she wrote for the Jewish News
regarding the mayoral race in Oak Park
("A Small Town, A Big Election:' Oct.
20, page 16). I grew up in Oak Park
and graduated from Oak Park High. I
still have friends who live there so I am
always interested in what's happening
in the city.
Unlike another journalist, Julie did
her homework and wrote a balanced
and fair accounting of the two candi-
dates. Rather than go for the sensa-
tional, she stuck to the facts and gave
the voters the truth. The political world
is nasty these days, and much of the
information out there is based on lies,
rumors and misinformation. Objective
reporting like hers is so refreshing these
days. Thank you for treating everyone
with respect.
I
L to R: Dana Goldberg,
Annie Jacobson, Barbara Mitteldorf,
Hannah Bradley and Abbie Ginis
at the Keller-Watch Home
in Farmington Hills
On October 9, 2011,
over 50 volunteers helped
Rhonda Traficante
assemble and decorate
Commerce Township
Shalit Vs. Pollard
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu's decision to trade one cap-
tive Israeli soldier, Sgt. Maj. Gilad Shalit,
for some 1,000 Palestinian terrorist
prisoners is discussed in Keri Guten
Cohen's article "Gilad Comes Home"
(Oct. 20, page 20).
In this unusual exchange, possibly
a small number of [the terrorists]
have been turned, providing Israeli
intelligence with additional "eyes and
ears" into future Hamas' operations.
Nonetheless, the price paid is high.
Some would argue, too high.
It would not have been made unless
Israel has continued to place high
value on the life of each of its soldiers.
Remarkably, this high value has not
been eroded by war, terror or cynicism.
In contrast, consider how the Obama
administration has handled the Pollard
case, as discussed in the editorial "Why
Did Biden Attack Pollard?" (Oct. 20,
page 28).
Recall, in June this year, Jonathan
Pollard requested permission to visit
his dying father in the hospital and
later to attend his funeral. The Obama
administration denied both requests.
Apparently, 26 years of imprisonment is
not enough punishment for Jonathan.
It is revealing to compare how dif-
ferently Prime Minister Netanyahu and
President Obama have responded to
these differing emotionally charged situ-
ations. One leader has spoken to our best
instincts, the other, through the voice of
Vice President Joe Biden, to our worst.
Irving Warshawsky
sukkahs at ten JARC
homes. It was a perfect
autumn day and the
spirit of the holiday was
reflected in the beautifu
structures that were built.
Whether as Lvoluntee
or donor, your generous
support will benefit the
men, women and
children JARC serves.
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JN
November 3 • 2011
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