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in
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Show Of

Detroit Jews for Justice
keeps the focus on
education issues this Purim.

Support

JORDAN SMELLIE SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

T

ABOVE: Staci Hirsch holds
one of many protest signs
displayed at the event.
TOP RIGHT: DJJ Executive
Director Rabbi Alana Alpert
shows off her Star Wars
costume and “resist” grogger.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Guests were
invited to post their thoughts
on education justice on a “Tree
of Knowledge.”

his month, Jews from across
Metro Detroit gathered in
Hamtramck for a Purim
party with a focus on public educa-
tion. Detroit Jews for Justice put
on the event to draw attention to
the threats posed by Secretary of
Education Betsy DeVos and other
policy-makers — and to encourage
the Jewish community to mobilize
for education justice.
On the outside, Ant Hall is a
squat and unassuming event space.
On March 12, the inside was a
raucous and joyful celebration of
Purim, Jewish community activism
and comedy theater.
Over brunch and mimosas, more
than 150 attendees networked and
laughed to the sounds of the Corn
Potato String Band, a folk ensem-
ble led by Jewish local natives.
A short play was presented, a
political satire featuring comedic
versions of the heroes of Purim:
Queen Esther and her uncle
Mordecai as education activists
— and caricatures of DeVos and
President Donald Trump taking the
roles of the villain Haman and King
Achashverosh. The audience warm-
ly received the brief tale, wherein
Esther laments the closing of public
schools, then saves the day.

Josh Klein attended with his
1-year-old son. “I support the
movement to bring power to
teachers and students, especially
in poor areas,” he said. “It’s an issue
that doesn’t affect just Detroit
schools, but a vast majority of stu-
dents in Michigan — anyone who
can’t afford $10,000 per semester
for private school.”
Lauren and Cameron Fink felt
encouraged by what they saw. “It
was fun. There’s so much discovery
going on today, and it’s good to see
solidarity,” Lauren said.
Hayley Sakwa, a resident and
organizer at the Detroit City
Moishe House, was all smiles. “I
love this day,” she said. “I’ve been
looking forward to it since last year.
It’s relevant to the current political
climate; it’s healing and fun.”
Like other attendees, though, she
has grave concerns about the pros-
pects for young Michiganders.
“If the Jewish community is to
stay relevant, we need to start put-
ting time and effort into issues
like education because this is how
young people are being Jewish.” •

Learn more about Detroit Jews for Justice
at www.detroitjewsforjustice.org.

We are an in-home service provider for the elderly, ill and disabled.
We assist with personal care, home making and more up to 24 hours.

We are insured and bonded.
Call 248-262-7111 or 313-272-1222

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24

March 23 • 2017

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