metro 'Please, Mr. Governor • • • Snyder's speech to Muslim group riles some supporters of Israel. Jackie Headapohl David Sachs Jewish News Staff T he Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) held its 51st annual confer- ence in Detroit from Aug. 29 to Sept 1. The conference was titled "Generations Rise: Elevating Muslim American Culture' Conference organizers said the event's goal was to "foster the development of the Muslim community, interfaith relations, civic engage- ment and better understanding of Islam:' The keynote speaker was former President Jimmy Carter, author of the book Palestine: Peace, Not Apartheid, which many supporters of Israel consider to be a blatant anti-Israel diatribe. The Georgia Democrat was sched- uled to speak about his latest book, A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power. Another scheduled speaker on Aug. 29 was Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder — which angered some in the Jewish community who believe that ISNA is a front group for Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the radical anti-Israel Muslim Brotherhood. Ed Kohl of West Bloomfield, a Republican like Snyder, was one several letter writers in a campaign to the governor's office prior to Aug. 29 to dissuade him from speaking. (See his letter in sidebar). Nineteen of the letter writers sent copies to the Jewish News. Kohl said many of them had never written to a politician before, but were so incensed with the governor's sched- uled appearance they were compelled to do so. The JN asked Snyder's office for a response. The reply the JN received from Snyder's press secretary, Sara Wurfel, on Aug. 26 follows: "The Governor is slated to attend the opening of the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America — held this year in Detroit starting this weekend. "He will welcome thousands (organiz- The Joys of Music giShabbatat TEMPLE We are kicking off our new monthly Music Shabbat on Friday, September 5 at 7:30 pm. OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY TEMPLE BETH EL 7400 Telegraph Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 www.tbeonline.org serenity friendship 18 September 4 • 2014 Meet us outside in the Courtyard for a high-energy, spiritual, thought-provoking service. Families are welcome, and all ages will walk away uplifted, recharged, and connected. Cantorial Soloist Rachel Kalmowitz will be joined by Matt and Sarah Rappaport (of the band Collision Six), Jim Gabriel, Steve Tamowsky, Carey Kalmowitz, and Rabbi Mark Miller. Come for the music, stay for the friends! Join us at our Annual Picnic Sunday September 7. 2 hours of food, games and music! 11 am - 1 pm holiness music inspiration ers are planning on 20,000 — many of whom have never been to the city or state) to Detroit, Michigan, highlighting the city's resurgence and state's comeback and recog- nizing Muslim American contributions to the city, state and country and the opportu- nities that exist for everyone to work togeth- er to achieve prosperity and understanding. "Michigan is a welcoming state with a proud, diverse heritage, including a large number of people of both the Jewish and Islamic faiths. "I would note that ISNA has been con- sistent in rejecting all acts of terrorism and violence, and congressional investigations and inquiries have resulted in unfounded ❑ Letter To The Governor BETH EL For more information contact Laura Lucassian at Ilucassian@tbeonline.org or 248-851-1100. Gov. Rick Snyder claims and no ties to terrorism, and the organization has as its mission 'to foster the development of the Muslim community, interfaith relations, civic engagement, and better understanding of Islam7 Two days later, the governor's press secre- tary wrote again to the JN: "I would also point out that ISNA has recognized the right of Israel to exist, and has advocated for a 'just and fair settlement of disputes between Israel, the Palestinians, and their neighbors through diplomacy and other peaceful means: "And as you hopefully know, the governor is proud to recognize the strong contribu- tions of the Jewish community and heri- tage — not only in the Metro Detroit area but across Michigan. He has been a strong proponent, and as you know, has traveled to Israel as recently as last year. "He has signed memorandums of under- standing with Israel, including one just this summer on industrial R&D projects, and we have several key efforts with the Jewish com- munity in Michigan:' When asked if he still intended to vote for Snyder, Kohl said, "I am very disappointed that Gov. Snyder would share the stage with Jimmy Carter, but we need a governor who adheres by conservative principles and fiscal and personal integrity. We should not punish other Conservative candidates due to Gov. Snyder's misguided appearance at the ISNA conference:' joy Dear Governor Snyder, I strongly suggest you cancel your speaking engagement at the ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) conference on August 29. You must know ISNA is a front group for the Muslim Brotherhood, which has vowed to destroy the Constitution and our government. ISNA has been identified by the FBI as a co-conspirator in the funding of terrorist organizations. As an American and recently elected Republican precinct delegate and worker for Terri Lynn Land's campaign, I am ashamed that you would associate yourself with ISNA and share the podium with a proven anti-Semite such as Jimmy Carter. Do want your everlasting legacy to be remembered as a supporter of an anti-American organization and involvement with Jimmy Carter? Regards, Ed Kohl West Bloomfield