18 | MAY 11 • 2023 

JEWISH DETROITERS 
PROVIDE SUPPORT 
During critical periods in its 
history, Jewish Americans have 
been generous in their support 
of Israel. Jewish Detroiters 
and Michiganders have always 
maintained a close relationship 
with Israel and have made great 
contributions to its well-being. This 
intimate connection continues to 
this day. Definitive proof can be 
found in thousands of reports in the 
Detroit Jewish Chronicle and Jewish 
News. 
Jewish communal 
organizations such as 
the Jewish Federation 
of Metropolitan Detroit, 
Hadassah, local chapters of 
Zionist organizations, and 
groups such as the Friends 
of Hebrew and Technion 
Universities, regularly 
raise funds for Israel. In 
short, many local Jewish 
institutions send financial 
support and provide 
services to the Jewish 
homeland every year.
Individual Jewish 
Detroiters devote their time 
and resources to supporting 
Israel. For example, Max 
Fisher left a gigantic mark 
on the development of Israel and was a confidant of 
Israeli prime ministers. Bill Davidson, a prominent 
Detroit automobile supplier, funded multiple projects in 
Israel such as facilities at the Hadassah Hospital and the 
Davidson Center for archeological research in Jerusalem. 
Located near the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the Davidson 
Center contributes to extensive archeological research. 
In the same area are the Hermelin Steps, maintained by 
funding from Doreen and David Hermelin. 
Individual donors beyond mega-donors have also made 
their mark on Israel. For example, thousands of Jewish 
Detroiters have helped plant millions of trees in Israel and 
have contributed to a wide array of projects, ranging from 
emergency funds and financial support to educational programs, 
medical programs like Magen David Adom, Israeli hospitals, 
student exchanges and baseball leagues.
Jewish Detroiters have contributed to the well-
being of Israel in many ways beyond financial support. Young 

men and women have made Birthright trips to 
Israel. Some have joined the IDF as Lone Soldiers 
to do their part to protect Israel. Since its found-
ing as a pro-Zionist publication in 1942 by Philip 
Slomovitz, the Detroit Jewish News has remained a 
staunch supporter of Israel. 
Today, Israel is one of the world’s great success 
stories. Its rise from a poor country, with 
barely 600,000 people 
when established in 
1948, to a thriving, 
diverse and powerful 
nation of nearly 10 mil-
lion, is nothing short of 
remarkable. All of this 
happened in a land that 
was largely considered to 
be a barren desert. 
Modern Israel is a place 
of innovation and enter-
prise, colloquially known 
as the “Start-Up Nation.” 
Not only have Israelis 
made great strides as entre-
preneurs, but they have 
also excelled in every field 
of human endeavor from 
agriculture, water conserva-
tion, medicine, physics and 
engineering to literature, 
film, design and the arts. 
Israel is also one 
the world’s strongest 
democracies and a close 
U.S. ally. It has benefited 
from generous American 
support. The United 
States has sent and still 
sends support to Israel 
and cooperates on many 
programs including 
cooperation on national 
security issues. 
As Israel nears a 
population of 10 million 
citizens, Jewish Detroiters 
have a proud legacy of 
support for Israel. The 
Detroit Jewish News looks forward to continuing to report on 
the remarkable story of Israel for many years to come. 
As U.S. President John F. Kennedy stated in 1962: “Israel 
was not created in order to disappear — Israel will endure and 
flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave.” 

history, Jewish Americans have 
been generous in their support 

and Michiganders have always 
maintained a close relationship 
with Israel and have made great 
contributions to its well-being. This 
intimate connection continues to 
this day. Definitive proof can be 
found in thousands of reports in the 

Jewish 

on the development of Israel and was a confidant of 
Israeli prime ministers. Bill Davidson, a prominent 
Detroit automobile supplier, funded multiple projects in 
Israel such as facilities at the Hadassah Hospital and the 
Davidson Center for archeological research in Jerusalem. 
Located near the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the Davidson 
Center contributes to extensive archeological research. 
In the same area are the Hermelin Steps, maintained by 
funding from Doreen and David Hermelin. 

Individual donors beyond mega-donors have also made 

their mark on Israel. For example, thousands of Jewish 
Detroiters have helped plant millions of trees in Israel and 

to do their part to protect Israel. Since its found-
ing as a pro-Zionist publication in 1942 by Philip 
Slomovitz, the Detroit Jewish News
staunch supporter of Israel. 

Today, Israel is one of the world’s great success 

stories. Its rise from a poor country, with 

remarkable. All of this 
happened in a land that 
was largely considered to 
be a barren desert. 

of innovation and enter-
prise, colloquially known 
as the “Start-Up Nation.” 
Not only have Israelis 
made great strides as entre-
preneurs, but they have 
also excelled in every field 
of human endeavor from 
agriculture, water conserva-
tion, medicine, physics and 
engineering to literature, 
film, design and the arts. 

Israel is also one 

the world’s strongest 
democracies and a close 
U.S. ally. It has benefited 
from generous American 
support. The United 
States has sent and still 
sends support to Israel 
and cooperates on many 
programs including 
cooperation on national 
security issues. 

As Israel nears a 

population of 10 million 
citizens, Jewish Detroiters 
have a proud legacy of 

JEWISH DETROITERS 
PROVIDE SUPPORT 
During critical periods in its 

men and women have made Birthright trips to 
Israel. Some have joined the IDF as Lone Soldiers 
to do their part to protect Israel. Since its found-

men and women have made Birthright trips to 
Israel. Some have joined the IDF as Lone Soldiers 
to do their part to protect Israel. Since its found-

OUR COMMUNITY
ON THE COVER

continued from page 17

