Hundreds of participants began their walk by going through an arch of blue and white balloons.
Walk/Run For Israe
Jewish community offers strong
show of support on Israel's 65th.
Leslie Spector
Jewish News Intern
I
sraeli flags and positive energy filled
the air as more than 1,600 members
of the Metro Detroit Jewish com-
munity participated in the eighth annual
Walk for Israel on Sunday, May 5, at
Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield.
The event is held to raise awareness, soli-
darity and support for Israel on its 65th
anniversary.
"The Jewish War Veterans of the United
States of America walk for Israel every
year:' veteran Jerry Order said. "We are
the oldest active veterans in the country.
We always support Israel."
The walk south on Orchard Lake Road
— with walkers waving Israeli flags and
wearing blue and white — was led by
the Jewish War Veterans and color guard
leader Art Fishman.
New this year was a 5K Run for Israel
that started earlier that morning. More
than 100 runners participated, with many
also showing support for those killed and
injured in last month's Boston Marathon.
"I ran in support of Israel and Boston:'
24 May 9 • 2013
said Kim Schon of West Bloomfield.
"The 18-mile run in honor of Boston
was organized with the Walk for Israel. It
was a very meaningful and fun experience
to run with people concerned with both
Israel and Boston:'
Another group walked in honor of their
grandparents, who are survivors of the
Holocaust. These participants belong to
the 3G's (third generation of Holocaust
survivors), which is part of Jewish Senior
Life's Program for Holocaust Survivors
and Families.
"Both of my grandparents were sur-
vivors of the Holocaust, said Danielle
Dentamaro of West Bloomfield. "My
grandpa was in hiding and my grandma
was in work camps. I made a promise to
my grandmother that I'll never let people
forget. That's why I'm here:'
At the Jewish Federation of
Metropolitan Detroit's table outside the
temple, participants of Federation's first
Miracle Mission to Israel in 1993 were
asked to sign a poster board featuring a
group photo from the trip.
"The mission to Israel was a fabulous
and unifying experience:' Jim August of
Bloomfield Hills said. "It left an impres-
sion on everyone, even on those who had
been to Israel before. It is important to
continue people's commitment to Israel,
and it is good for the Jewish people:'
Before the walk began, many partici-
pants filled the Shir Shalom sanctuary to
listen to Steven Pomerantz of the Jewish
Institute for National Security Affairs
speak about Israel and terrorism.
Outside, people were treated to Israeli
music from the Shir Shalom children's
choir and to a meal of pizza and salad
from Jerusalem Pizza. Tables set up by
various Jewish organizations also drew
people for information and giveaways.
"I thought this year's Walk for Israel
was a big success:' said Andre Douville,
Shir Shalom executive director and head
of the event.
"With the addition of the Run for Israel,
we had more than 100 runners for the
inaugural event with four rabbis leading
the pack.
"The weather was perfect; a marvelous
day for the Metro Detroit community to
show their love and support for the state
of Israel:'
❑
Nathan Yusufov, 9, of West Bloomfield
carries a flag that is bigger than he is.
Sherry Wasserman of Huntington Woods
did some custom work on her hat.