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DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 7
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state. 
 Like many other Michigan 
politicians have, in 2019, 
Sen. Theis participated 
in the American Jewish 
Committee’s Project 
Interchange trip to Israel. The 
experience was eye-opening, 
particularly when she 
encountered bomb shelters 
innocently painted with 
animals next to a playground 
in Israel’s south. 
Witnessing the stark reality 
of the region strengthened 
her resolve to advocate for 
Israel’s security and well-
being. 
In the wake of Oct. 7, 
motivated by a profound 
sense of responsibility, Sen. 
Theis took a symbolic step 
in the Michigan legislature 
by initiating a campaign 
to display miniature Israeli 
flags on the Senate floor. 
Her goal was to create a 
visible representation of 
solidarity with Israel among 
her colleagues. The initiative 
gained momentum, with 
almost two dozen fellow state 
senators joining in to proudly 
showcase the flags on their 
desks. 
The impact of Sen. Theis’ 
advocacy has extended 
beyond symbolic gestures. 
She signed JCRC/AJC’s 
interfaith letter in support 
of Israel and marched 
for Israel in Washington, 

D.C., as part of JCRC/
AJC’s interfaith delegation 
from Detroit. The firsthand 
experience of joining forces 
with individuals from diverse 
backgrounds in support 
of a common cause only 
deepened her conviction to 
continue advocating for Israel 
on a larger scale. 
Sen. Theis’ journey under-
scores the significance of 
personal experiences in 
shaping political perspectives. 
From her early connection 
to Judaism through her 
Christian faith to the enlight-
ening trip to Israel and active 
engagement in interfaith 
initiatives, each step contrib-
uted to her becoming a vocal 
supporter of Israel. Her com-
mitment to fostering strong 
U.S.-Israel relations is not 
only evident in her legislative 
endeavors but also in her 
own personal actions. 
In a world marked by geo-
political complexities, Sen. 
Lana Theis stands out as a 
testament to the power of 
understanding, empathy and 
personal experiences in shap-
ing diplomatic stances.
The Jewish community 
should rest assured that we 
have friends like Lana Theis 
in Michigan’s legislature. 

Daniel Bucksbaum is Israel and 

Young Leadership Associate at 

JCRC/AJC Detroit.

Rabbi Asher Lopatin and 
Michigan State Sen. Lana Theis

A FRIEND IN LANSING continued from page 4

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