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Walk For Israel
Spirited annual event marks the 68th anniversary of the Jewish state.
Photos by Drasnin-Reuben Photography
D
espite wind, cold temperatures, a
few snowflakes and the threat of
rain, more than 1,500 members
of the Jewish community turned out at
Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield
to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel
Independence Day.
This year, the annual event added the
Roll for Israel, a family bicycle ride that
ended up getting rained out shortly after
it started. In West Bloomfield on Sunday,
some began the day early with the Run for
Israel.
Except for the walk down Orchard Lake
Road and the Run for Israel, all activities
were moved inside Shir Shalom, where
participants could visit information tables
manned by various Jewish organizations,
listen to music, try some Israeli folk danc-
ing and eat a kosher lunch from Jerusalem
Pizza. Earlier, participants heard from
Gil Hoffman, chief political correspon-
dent and analyst for the Jerusalem Post,
who was the AIPAC-sponsored keynote
speaker.
Andre Douville, Shir Shalom execu-
tive director, and his committee head the
annual event.
A warmly dressed crowd shows support during the annual Walk for Israel.
*
Cantor Rachel Kalmowitz of Temple Beth
El in Bloomfield Township gets the walk
started with a shofar blast.
David Goodman and daughter, Sara, 10
14 May 26 • 2016
Andre Douville of Shir Shalom, who heads the annual Walk for Israel,
with a float from the early-morning Run for Israel
U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, Rabbi Daniel Schwartz of Shir Shalom
and U.S. Sen. Gary Peters
Sisters Zera, 8, and Miriam Levine, 5, show their support.
Gina Shimko, Lily Shimko, Rita Seidman, Leilah Shimko and Amy
Seidman