48 | JULY 27 • 2023 

A 

recent visit to 
Israel by the 
Satovsky family of 
West Bloomfield marked 
a significant milestone as 
their generous donation of 
a “leisure area” to the 188th 
Barak Armor Brigade of 
the Israel Defense Forces 
(IDF), which guards Israel’s 
Northern border, was 
officially inaugurated. 
Nicole, Stone, Oscar and 
Bea Melet and Brian, Neil 
and Joni Satovsky joined 
Friends of the Israel Defense 
Forces (FIDF) representatives 

and the brigade during this 
heartfelt occasion filled with 
appreciation and joy.
Leisure corners are vital 
structures for IDF soldiers 
on the front lines, providing 
them with a functional 
space for recuperation from 
the brutal and sweltering 
environments in which 
they operate. Each leisure 
corner is equipped with 
roofing, bench seating 
and comfortable cushions, 
accommodating up to 10 
soldiers at a time.
During the visit, the family 

received a warm welcome at 
the training area, where they 
had an up-close experience 
with APCs and tanks, guided 
by Commander Shay. The 
group then proceeded to 
the brigade’s camp for a 
ceremony to inaugurate 
the newly established 
structure, where Lt. Col. 
Elad, the deputy commander, 
presented the family with a 
personalized gift. 

The gathering fostered 
meaningful interactions 
between the family and 
approximately 20 soldiers 
from the headquarters, 
creating lasting connections 
that will be cherished by all.
The Satovsky family is 
actively involved in the local 
Detroit Jewish community. 
Neil Satovsky serves in 
leadership positions at 
the Jewish Federation of 

New Leisure 
Corner for IDF 
Brigade

ERETZ

West Bloomfield family’s donation 
officially inaugurated. 

COURTESY OF THE FIDF

FIDF, ORI SHEMESH

Seated: Brian Satovsky, 
Nikki Melet, Stone Melet 
(standing), Oscar Melet, 
Neil Satovsky, Joni 
Satovsky and Bea Melet.

Top Row: Stone Melet. Middle Row: Bea Melet, Nikki Melet, Neil 
Satovsky, Brian Satovsky, Oscar Melet. Front of Tank: Joni Satovsky.