1942 - 2024
Covering and Connecting
Jewish Detroit Every Week
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ecting the diverse views and interests of the Jewish community while advancing the
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DETROIT JEWISH NEWS
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6 | MARCH 21 • 2024
J
N
essay
A Beacon of Hope
A
few weeks ago, my
journey led me to
Israel for a signif-
icant mission: selecting the
Detroit 2024-2025 ShinShinim
alongside my
esteemed col-
leagues. Each
trip to Israel
holds its own
anticipation and
excitement, but
this particular
visit carried a
unique energy, tinged with
anticipation and reflection
following the events of Oct.
7. Originally scheduled for
December, the trip had been
postponed due to the conflict
and lack of flights.
Arriving in Israel during
such a pivotal moment, my
conversations with friends
and associates naturally grav-
itated toward somber subjects
— hostages, funerals and
the burden of reserve duty.
The weight of recent events
lingered in the air, whether
in the hushed tones of coffee
shop conversations or the
shared experiences of those
seeking shelter in my hotel.
Memories of life before the
unrest on Oct. 7 were palpable
in every encounter.
Amidst this backdrop, the
screening process for the
ShinShinim program served as
a beacon of hope. Witnessing
the determination and cour-
age of these young Israelis,
who saw building connections
between Israel and the dias-
pora as paramount, filled me
with optimism. In the after-
math of Oct. 7, the support of
American Jewry toward Israel
has been unwavering. In their
partnership with the Detroit
community, it’s evident that
knowing they have a network
of support — individuals pray-
ing, thinking, and advocating
for them — provides solace
to those facing challenging
times. Come August 2024,
five outstanding individuals
will embark on their ShinShin
year in Detroit, recognizing
how the events of Oct. 7 have
underscored the importance
of unity within global Jewry.
Reflecting on my time in
Israel, one profound realiza-
tion stands out: the resilience
and indomitable spirit of the
Israeli people. Despite facing
formidable challenges, there
was a prevailing determi-
nation among everyone I
encountered to envision a
future where discussions no
longer center around threats
and uncertainty but rather
around hope and progress.
As I contemplate my return
to Israel in late spring, I hold
on to the fervent hope that the
days of discussing hostages
and rockets will soon become
relics of the past. May our
community, united, be blessed
with health, safety and pros-
perity as we journey forward
together as a steadfast Jewish
people.
Allison Gutman is senior associate in
the Israel & Overseas Department of
the Jewish Federation of Detroit.
PURELY COMMENTARY
Allison
Gutman