OUR COMMUNITY
ON THE COVER

Comes to Life at The J

Nine young adults from 

Israel help campers 
and seniors connect 
with their heritage.

ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY 
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE J

S

hlichim have long been a part of The J 
Detroit’s summer camp program, but in the 
decade past, the young Israeli emissaries 
typically arrived in small groups of just 
two-to-four.
This year, however, nine Israeli Shlichim — who 
serve in Jewish agencies and communities worldwide 
following mandatory military service — are calling 
The J Detroit their summer home. 
It’s the largest number of Shlichim The J has hosted 
thus far, and their expanded roles go beyond serving 
local Jewish children who attend the summer camp 
program. Now, for the first time, the Shlichim are 

being housed at Meer Apartments, where they’re giv-
ing Jewish seniors a unique opportunity to experience 
and immerse themselves in Israeli culture.
The J’s Shlichim program is made possible by the 
support of the Byron and Dorothy Gerson Innovation 
Fund, the Alan Jay & Sue E. Kaufman Family Support 
Foundation and Eli Scherr.

A NEW TWIST ON THE SHLICHIM PROGRAM
Shlichim of different backgrounds, talents and inter-
ests are handpicked for their work by the Jewish 
Agency for Israel, which sees more than 10,000 Israelis 
apply each year.

Israeli Culture

8 | AUGUST 22 • 2024 
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