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of the community, and now they
feel so comfortable in our build-
ing, it’s like they have lived here
for months.”
However, Shlichim don’t just
retire to their quarters to sleep and
return to camp the next day. They
host events for Meer residents,
the most recent of which was an
Israeli dance party.
“Having the personal bond to
Israel and Israelis has been so
important to the residents at this
time,” Mittelman says. “It allows
them to feel connected in an
authentic way.”
Frank adds, “The residents have
just loved their energy. They’re
very interested in talking to them
about what it’s like to be Israeli
right now.” For Holocaust survi-
vors who live at Meer, this connec-
tion has been especially rewarding
and meaningful.
Next up, Frank says the
Shlichim have a board night
planned for the Meer residents.
For the duration of their stay in
Metro Detroit, they will continue
inspiring campers and seniors
alike.
“Watching the Shlichim and the
residents in conversation warms
you,” Mittelman says. “Both have
so much to share with one anoth-
er, and you can see the benefit
of the relationship happening in
front of you.”
It’s an experience Cohen and the
other Shlichim will never forget.
“I didn’t know Jews around the
world care about us so much,”
Nahmias says. “It really warms the
heart. We live in a Jewish country,
so Judaism is everywhere, but here
we can see how strong the tradi-
tion of Judaism is. You don’t have
to be in Israel to feel it.”
Bar Cohen, Tomer
Shalom El and
Maayan Cohen at a
Detroit Tigers game
Eden Yehezkel and
JCC Day Camps
campers.