 DECEMBER 24 • 2020 | 25

Detroit Jews for Justice Celebrates 
Detroit Moratorium on Water Shutoffs
D

etroit Jews for Justice 
has long been working 
to end water shutoffs in 
Detroit, and their efforts came 
to fruition Dec. 8, when Detroit 
Mayor Mike Duggan announced 
a moratorium on water shutoffs 
would be extended until the end 
of 2022. Duggan also announced 
that Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, former 
director of the Detroit Health 
Department and former candi-
date for governor of Michigan, 
will head a group looking into 
ways to make the moratorium 
permanent.
“We are so glad to see the 
city finally stepping in to halt 
this inhumane treatment of our 
neighbors,” said Rabbi Alana 
Alpert, executive director of 
Detroit Jews for Justice, in a 

statement. “We also know that 
to win a water affordability plan 
and get real, permanent protec-
tion for Detroiters, we have to 
continue to be vigilant.” 
DJJ has been working in coa-
lition with the People’s Water 
Board, We the People of Detroit, 
Brightmoor Connection Food 
Pantry and Michigan Welfare 
Rights on water justice in Detroit 
since 2015. 
More than 140,000 Detroit 
households had their water and 
sewage services shut off between 
2014 and 2020. DJJ has been 
working to stop “the unconscio-
nable practice of water shutoffs 
and to transform the dead-end 
system of water payment assis-
tance to one based on income 
affordability,” said Lori Lutz, 

DJJ Thriving team member and 
Water Team leader, in a state-
ment. “This ‘miracle’ is a huge 
step (but far from the last) in 
that direction.” 
Local organizations caution 
that a moratorium on water 
shutoffs is not enough. 
“The DJJ community plans to 
continue its work on ensuring 
all Detroit residents have access 
to water. 

“For five years, DJJ has been 
involved as an organization,” said 
Barry Rubin, DJJ water team 
leader and steering committee 
member, in the statement. “It 
often takes a long-term commit-
ment to make meaningful prog-
ress. I’m proud of this organiza-
tion and of all who participated. 
Today we must acknowledge that 
the arc of the moral universe can 
bend toward justice.” 

JN STAFF

Dr. Kleinsmith has joined Midwest Center

for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery —

Farmington Hills Center.

Dr. Kleinsmith received her bachelor’s degree

from Michigan State University, and her

medical degree from Wayne State University

School of Medicine. Dr. Kleinsmith completed

her residency at Henry Ford Hospital,

where she was Chief Resident.

Dr. Kleinsmith is a

Board Certified Dermatologist.

Welcome!

Dr. Kleinsmith has joined Midwest 
Center for Dermatology & Cosmetic 
Surgery – Farmington Hills Center

Dr. Kleinsmith received her 
bachelor’s degree from Michigan 
State University, and her medical 
degree from Wayne State University 
School of Medicine. Dr. Kleinsmith 
completed her dermatology 
residency at Henry Ford Hospital, 
where she was Chief Resident.
Dr. Kleinsmith

Welcome!

Dr. Kleinsmith has joined Midwest 
Center for Dermatology & Cosmetic 
Surgery – Farmington Hills Center

Dr. Kleinsmith received her 
bachelor’s degree from Michigan 
State University, and her medical 
degree from Wayne State University 
School of Medicine. Dr. Kleinsmith 
completed her dermatology 
residency at Henry Ford Hospital, 
where she was Chief Resident.
Dr. Kleinsmith

Welcome!

Dr. Kleinsmith has joined Midwest 
Center for Dermatology & Cosmetic 
Surgery – Farmington Hills Center

Dr. Kleinsmith received her 
bachelor’s degree from Michigan 
State University, and her medical 
degree from Wayne State University 
School of Medicine. Dr. Kleinsmith 
completed her dermatology 
residency at Henry Ford Hospital, 
where she was Chief Resident.
Dr. Kleinsmith

DJJ

DJJ leaders demonstrate at Campus Martius during Chanukah 2018.

