22 | MAY 9 • 2024 
J
N

A 

highly visible “Free the Hostages” demonstration 
was held on April 25 on a I-696 pedestrian overpass 
in Farmington Hills as hundreds of cars and trucks 
passed underneath. The demonstration marked over 200 days 
of brutal captivity for more than 100 Israeli, Israeli-Americans 
and other hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
Organized by Don Cohen and Allan Gale, both 
of West Bloomfield, the demonstration was timed 
for display during rush-hour traffic. More than 
20 supporters showed up with banners and Israeli 
flags and were heartened to hear plenty of horns 
honking from cars and trucks passing below.
“We opted for a peaceful ‘visibility event’ 
where a small group could be seen by thousands,” 
Cohen said. “Given that it’s been more than 
200 days since the Hamas attack, focusing on 
freedom for the hostages and waving American and Israeli 
flags seemed the right message and, overall, it was very well 
received.” 
It was a meaningful event. As Cohen said, “There is no need 
to wait for others to take action when each of us can do it 
ourselves and with our friends.” 

“Free the hostages” demonstrators 
gin up support on I-696 overpass.

Small But Mighty 
Pro-Israel Rally

OUR COMMUNITY

Mike Smith
Alene and 
Graham Landau 
Archivist Chair

The main 
banner that 
hung on the 
overpass

Don Cohen and Larry 
Gunsberg, left to right. 
 
Alan Baum at far left.

Marcie Rosen, president of 
Detroit Hadassah (left), and 
Shelly Marks with Israeli flags. 
Alan Gale is at the far left.