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Jewish community raised
more than $1.5 million in
just 24 hours for JFMD’s
Israel Emergency Campaign.
Donations can be made at
https://jewishdetroit.org/
swords-of-iron-2023/.
“This money has already
begun to be deployed. We
are already helping victims,
families and friends. We’re
helping get people out of
the south, we’re paying for
residences in the north, and
we will continue to be there
for whatever they need. We
will continue to need your
help as we support Israel,”
Ingber told those gathered.
“What we saw on Saturday
was sheer terrorism and
we must call it out,” Ingber
stressed. “Do not be silent.
Do not go quiet. Do not let
the news cycle change. What
happened was terrorism, and
we will call it out each and
every time it happens.”

PERSONAL MESSAGES
A series of moving
testimonials, most from
Israelis with ties to Detroit,
were shown on the four
huge screens set up around
Shaarey Zedek’s massive
sanctuary. Some Israelis
appeared in videos, while
other testimonies were
read in person on behalf of
other Israelis. Several of the
testimonials were sent in from
individuals currently serving
on the frontlines in the IDF.
Detroit’s former community
shaliach (emissary) from
Israel, Yiftah
Leket, sent one
in as well. They
provided a deeply
emotional portion
of the gathering.
“Your support
makes us
stronger,” Leket expressed to
the Detroiters in attendance.
“We need you today and in
the future.”

OUR COMMUNITY
COVER STORY

Yiftah
Leket

The Michigan Board
of Cantors lead the
crowd in singing
“Am Israel Chai”

Members of the
Michigan Board of
Rabbis lead a prayer
for the State of Israel.

JAMIE FELDMAN

YEVGENIYA GAZMAN

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