30 | JANUARY 11 • 2024 J
N

T

he Jewish community
of Detroit did an
amazing job in raising
money for the Federation
emergency campaign that
started in light of the war
in Israel, with
donations close
to $30 million
dollars so far in
a period of just
weeks.
But beyond
donations,
there is a
strong feeling
of unity as people find
reasons to be together and
to feel a sense of belonging
and brotherhood in these
difficult times for every
Jewish person.
In the past few months,
Federation’s Israel &
Overseas Department

has created as many
opportunities as we can
for the community to
come together. Not only to
unite around Israel, but also
to support each other.
Here are just some of the
events that took place:

ISRAELIS WHO HAVE
ARRIVED IN MICHIGAN
SINCE OCT. 7
The Jewish community in
Michigan has very strong
ties to Israel, and many have
family and friends living
in the country. Since the
outbreak of the war, dozens
of families have come to
visit Michigan to refresh
and regain some strength,
even for a short time, with
a change of routine, scenery
and atmosphere.
On Nov. 16, Federation

and JFamily held a meeting
for the Israeli families at
Hillel Day School, which is
accommodating nearly 20
Israeli students who came for
a temporary visit to Detroit.
Our community’s Shinshinim
did a fun activity for the
children while the parents
met to vent, listen and,
more than anything else,
be together in this difficult
time.

HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS
SUPPORT ISRAEL AS
PART OF JSL CAFÉ
EUROPA
On Nov. 20, the Shinshinim
and I did a special Café
Europa program for
Holocaust survivors where
we talked about the national
resilience of the State of
Israel, the many social

initiatives throughout the
country and the feeling of
hope that never leaves us
even in difficult moments.
Holocaust survivors,
who are our source of
inspiration for resilience and
resurrection after a great
disaster, watched videos from
Israel, heard experiences,
asked questions and sang
together “Am Yisrael Chai”
and “Hatikvah.”

NEXTGEN DETROIT
TALKS ABOUT ISRAEL
The war in Israel raises
many questions and doubts
among young Jews who are
trying to understand what is
happening, to support Israel
and, at the same time, deal
with harsh criticism they
hear against the country
in their school and work

The Jewish Community
Unites Around Israel

OUR COMMUNITY

Federation’s Israel and Overseas Department holds events to
strengthen community ties to Israel.

Lior
Zisser-Yogev
Special to the

Jewish News

PHOTOS BY FEDERATION