38 | AUGUST 24 • 2023
Twenty-three new United
States citizens representing 18
countries worldwide accepted
the rights and responsibilities
of American citizenship at a
naturalization ceremony held
at The Zekelman Holocaust
Center in Farmington Hills
on Friday, July 21.
Judge Bernard Friedman
of the U.S. District Court
Eastern District of Michigan,
a staunch supporter of The
HC who often brings law
enforcement professionals for
tours and trainings, adminis-
tered the Oath of Allegiance
to the new citizens, many of
whom were accompanied by
family and friends.
In welcoming the new cit-
izens, he acknowledged the
difficult journey immigrants
often make when coming
to the U.S., and he celebrat-
ed their role in enriching
American democracy. “I
encourage each of you to
exercise your right to vote,
and to use your voice to
speak out against injustice,”
he told them.
Rabbi Eli Mayerfeld, CEO
of The Zekelman Holocaust
Center, said it was a privilege
to host the ceremony. Just as
the immigrants who built The
HC to memorialize their his-
tory and shape a community
for generations strengthened
American society, so, too,
do new immigrants. “As you
become U.S. citizens,” he
told the group, “cherish your
personal histories while you
participate in our democracy.
Your actions will help create
a better world, one where we
take responsibility for one
another, one in which we
strive to perfect our union.”
Twenty-three
people took
the oath of
citizenship at
The Zekelman
Holocaust
Center.
faces&places
The HC Hosts
Naturalization Ceremony
A child plays with an
American flag at the
naturalization ceremony.
New citizens take part
in the naturalization
ceremony.
Ruth Bergman and Rabbi Eli
Mayerfeld of The Zekelman Holocaust
Center with Judge Bernard Friedman
Judge Bernard Friedman
administers the oath to
new citizens.