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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.