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Old and young share their experiences of Israel.
JOSHUA KANTER I SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
his winter, the Jewish Federation
experience. Participants shared their favorite
of Metropolitan Detroit organized
stories and their love of the food and culture;
two very special trips to Israel, one
they expressed the power of experiencing Israel
for young adults and the other for
as a part of a larger group from Detroit and the
Jewish seniors. Life-changing experiences in
meaning that comes with bringing that feeling
Israel brought these two groups together on
back home.
Sunday, Feb. 10, when participants were able
"By going on these Detroit missions — to me,
to congregate and speak about the importance,
now we are all part of the same family," said Sam
meaning and beauty they found in Israel.
Wolfe, Dream Mission participant.
NEXTGen Detroit, a branch of the Jewish
Both groups had home hospitality visits within
Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, in
the partnership region of the Central Galilee that
collaboration with Hillel of Metro Detroit, supports
were organized by Partnership2Gether and the
community Birthright trips to Israel every summer
Israel and Overseas department of the Jewish
Ayelet Kon and Tara Forman led this winter's Birthright trip.
and winter for young adults (ages 21-26) who
Federation of Metro Detroit.
have not yet been on a peer trip to Israel. This
Sandy Danto added, "We are all part of the
winter, 39 Detroiters participated in a Birthright trip led by NEXTGen staff Ayelet Kon
Federation community, all part of the Detroit community and all a part of the same
and Tara Forman.
larger Jewish community."
Departing shortly after the Birthright trip returned, the Dream Mission answered the
Both sets of participants found harmony in their shared passion for the Jewish
lifelong wish of older adults from our community to experience Israel for the first time.
homeland. Everyone echoed the sentiment of Sean Martin, who went on Birthright,
The Mission honors the memory of Sandy Danto's grandparents, Gitla Laja and Abram
when he said, "It was truly the best gift I've ever received."
Jakob Moszkowicz, and Sara and Kalman Garfinkel, Holocaust victims who were denied
Dream Mission participants found such joy in being able to share the exuberance of
long life and the opportunity to visit Israel.
their first encounter with Israel with young adults who had the same excitement.
At the event, Jason Brooks, co-chair of the NEXTGen community Birthright program,
Shirley Freed, a Dream Mission participant, said, "I have Birthright envy. All these
facilitated a discussion around the importance of Israel and the impact of the common
years the young people have to go back to explore and make a difference in Israel!"
❑
Sam Wolfe of West Bloomfield and Michael Peres of West Bloomfield talk.
David Katz of West Bloomfield and
Sandy Muskovitz Danto, 2013 Campaign
Arielle Inwald of Bloomfield Hills point and Community Development co-chair,
themselves out in each of their group and Lynda Giles, Birthright's Midwest
photos that were taken in Israel.
Region co-chair, address the group.
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Carolyn Weisberger of Farmington Hills locks hands with Ashley Weisberg
of West Bloomfield as they tell a tale they both can relate to.