14 | FEBRUARY 22 • 2024 

program. The University of Michigan 
has another.” 
In both programs, law students, 
working under the direction 
of faculty members, provide legal 
assistance to prisoners in Michigan 
who may be imprisoned for crimes 
they did not commit. “Both law 
schools have a busy docket of 
cases they select from requests 
made by prisoners around the state,” 
Lawrence Katz said.
Cases are typically selected based 
on post-conviction evidence, often 
newly discovered, pointing to actual 
innocence. Examples include DNA, 
other physical evidence or 
false identification. Cooley is 
the only post-conviction DNA 
innocence organization in Michigan 
and was established in response to 
Michigan’s post-conviction DNA 
Testing Law, MCL 770.16.
The University of Michigan 
Innocence Clinic is a non-DNA 
innocence organization.
“Every request the schools receive 
doesn’t fit into the category of actual 
innocence, and so the Innocence 
Project decision-makers decline 
many requests,” Lawrence Katz said. 
“But in cases of actual innocence, the 
Innocence Project seeks relief from the 
courts on behalf of innocent prisoners.” 

COMMUNITY AND 
FAMILY INFLUENCE
Lawrence Katz said his grandson is 

aware of his legal involvement, but 
that Eli’s inspiration to fundraise for 
the Innocence Project comes from 
his upbringing.
“I do this kind of work among 
other things, and Eli knows what 
I do, but I believe his primary 
motivation and commitment come 
from the two best role models any 
child could have: his parents,” 
Lawrence Katz said. “Leslie and 
Mitch are raising their children 
with a strong moral base. They 
have instilled the values of tikkun 
olam (repairing the world), and 
restorative justice clearly fits into 
that category.” 
Ariella Katz’s bat mitzvah project 
also was highlighted by a worthwhile 
cause, organizing a bake sale and 
raising $1,500. She baked and sold 
hundreds of chocolate chip cookies, 
brownies and lemon bars, with 
funds donated to Jewish Hospice & 
Chaplaincy Network in Bloomfield 
Township, where her mom is director 
of care coordination.
Rabbi Aaron Starr also is enthused 
by the efforts of the Katz siblings. 
“In marking our children becoming 
Jewish adults, Congregation Shaarey 
Zedek asks its students to lead our 
congregation in prayer, in Torah 
learning and in performing acts 
of loving kindness,” he said. “Eli 
and Ariella Katz are exemplars of 
this approach to meaningful and 
joyful Jewish living. Through their 
learning and their leadership, they 
bring honor to their parents and 
grandparents, to Hillel Day School 
where they attend, to our synagogue 
family and to the Jewish people. We 
are proud of them.”
The impact of Eli’s involvement 
is more than appreciated by those 
who understand the effect of the 
Innocence Project on the lives of 
those who are freed. 
“We are incredibly grateful 
for individuals like Eli who help 
to champion the cause of the 

OUR COMMUNITY

ON THE COVER

continued from page 12

TOP: Eli Katz twists and turns the 
Rubik’s Cube.
ABOVE: Eli Katz displays the Innocence 
Project Solve 4 Justice badge worn by 
competitors at his event.

JERI FISHMAN

To make a donation to the 
Innocence Project to help 
support the programs of staff 
and law students as they screen 
applications, investigate facts, 
conduct interviews, analyze cases, 
prepare court pleadings and pursue 
justice, at no cost to those who 
have been wrongfully imprisoned, 
access Eli’s Web page at: https:// 
bit.ly/KatzCooleyInnocenceProject. 

