JUNE 6 • 2024 | 11
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ore than 2,000 Jewish 
Detroiters had a 
roaring good time 
at the Detroit Zoo 
Tuesday evening, May 
28, for the Federation’s Walk 
the Zoo in White and Blue 
in honor of Yom HaAtzmaut, 
Israel’s 76th Independence Day.
Attendees came dressed in 
their favorite white and blue. 
The evening began with an 
opening ceremony and then 
attendees walked the zoo for 
Israel at their own self-guided 
pace. There was plenty to see 
and do along the way including 
a food tent with Israeli 
favorites, a community fair with 
Israel-themed crafts, games and 
more, and a scavenger hunt led 
by the Shinshinim with prizes 
for everyone. 
Security was provided by 
Jewish Community Security 
Inc. (JCSI) in partnership with 
law enforcement agencies.
“In the wake of all the 
negative news coverage about 
Israel, it was encouraging to 
see so many people decked out 
in blue and white in support 
of Israel. Am Israel chai!” said 
Soozan Mendel of Birmingham.
Lior Zisser-Yogev, the 
community shlichah through 
the Jewish Federation of 
Detroit, helped plan the 
event, along with numerous 
community sponsors and 
partners.
“We, the Jewish community 
of Detroit, deserve to have 
our voices heard. We deserve 
to show our support and to 
strengthen and encourage our 
Jewish homeland,” said Zisser-
Yogev. “This Yom HaAtzmaut 

continued on page 12

Blue and White

OUR COMMUNITY
ON THE COVER

More than 2,000 Jewish Detroiters converged 
More than 2,000 Jewish Detroiters converged 
at the Detroit Zoo to celebrate Israel.
at the Detroit Zoo to celebrate Israel.

JN STAFF / PHOTOS BY JOHN HARDWICK