14 | OCTOBER 19 • 2023 J
N

continued from page 13

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

continued on page 16

