OCTOBER 19 • 2023 | 13
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OUR COMMUNITY

COVER STORY

continued on page 14

T

he Metro Detroit Jewish community came 
together for an evening of hope, prayer and 
solidarity in the face of tragedy on Oct. 9 
at Southfield’s Congregation Shaarey Zedek. State 
leaders, Jewish community leaders and thousands 
of community members were bonded by a collective 
stance, repeated loudly and proudly throughout the 
night: Detroit stands with Israel!
The community gathering took place days after 
Hamas terrorists launched an unprecedented 
surprise attack on Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7. 
More than 1,300 people were killed in the attack, as 
reported by the Israeli embassy in the U.S. at press 
time. Over 3,400 citizens were injured. 
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit 
(JFMD) mobilized quickly to organize the gathering. 
In Shaarey Zedek’s packed main sanctuary, multiple 
individuals could be seen proudly draping the Israeli 
flag around their shoulders. Attendees, many of 
whom have personal connections to people in Israel 
who have been affected by the tragedy in one way or 
another, took comfort from being together at such a 
difficult time. 
Michigan’s Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Sen. 
Gary Peters spoke at the gathering, 
expressing their staunch support of 
Israel and condemning the terrorist 
attacks. 
“Tonight, let’s stand together against 
terrorism and for peace,” Whitmer 
said. “Let’s hold those in pain close 
and remember those we have lost, and 
let’s say very plainly a few fundamental 
truths: We here in Michigan condemn 
this vile act of terrorism. We stand with 
Israel. And Israel has the right to defend 
itself.” Her remarks generated a standing 
ovation.
JFMD CEO Steve Ingber, JFMD 
president Matt Lester and United Jewish 
Foundation president Dennis Bernard 
also spoke at the event. 
“Tonight, in the face of unimaginable horror, we 
declare unequivocally, Detroit stands 
with Israel,” Ingber said. “While we may 
be physically distant from Israel, I know 
everyone here tonight shares deeply and 
personally in their pain. We grieve with 
our brothers and sisters in Israel today.” 
Ingber announced that the Detroit 

Gov. 
Gretchen 
Whitmer 

Steve 
Ingber

U.S. Sen. 
Gary Peters 

The Metro Detroit Jewish 
community — more than 
2,000 strong — came 
together for an evening 
of solidarity for our 
Jewish state. 

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

JOHN HARDWICK

