Many in the crowd responded “Am Israel Chai” to Lior Zisser-Yogev, community shlichah, after her speech.
continued from page 13
14 | JUNE 6 • 2024
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Israel Fire Service shortly after
Oct. 7, said, “Thank you to
everybody who participat-
ed in the zoo event and to
Federation for organizing it,
as I know it was a major boost
for the morale of those serving
in Israel.
“I sent several photos from
the event to my friends in
the Fire Service and asked
that they share them with the
police and the IDF,” he added.
“Words cannot describe
how important our ongoing
support for Israel is. We are
praying for the hostages to be
released and this war to end.”
Detroit Federation CEO
Steven Ingber was under-
standably proud. “The
incredible turnout for our
Yom HaAtzmaut event was
a testament to the spirit and
unity of our Jewish commu-
nity and to our historic bond
with the State of Israel and
its people,” he said. “We are
so grateful to everyone who
contributed to making this
event a resounding success,
including our community
partners, our sponsors and
especially the 2,350 Jewish
Detroiters who came togeth-
er to celebrate Israel.”
Valeri Sirlin of West
Bloomfield enjoyed the
evening. “Mazel tov to
Federation on an excellent
event and an amazing symbol
of solidarity,” she said. “It
was great to see Jews coming
together, young and old, as
one, with the shared goal of
supporting Israel. I enjoyed
dinner, walking the zoo, and
seeing old friends and meet-
ing new ones.”
Everyone agreed that this
Yom HaAztmaut celebra-
tion was one for the record
books!
Monica and Elizabeth Merzin
Shira Block of Huntington
Woods
Michelle Turnbull of Windsor
A wave from the carousel
OUR COMMUNITY
ON THE COVER
A big smile from this
attendee
Attendees enjoyed Israeli food at the event.