March 29, 2022 – Jewish Community Relations Council/American Jewish Committee (JCRC/AJC) – Detroit has been actively monitoring the current wave of terrorism against Israeli citizens over the past week, which has tragically now claimed 11 victims, the largest number in Israel since 2006. We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and pray for the families of the deceased. As both Jewish and Arab communities head into holidays with important religious observances, we implore people of all faiths, locally and abroad, to pray for peace in the region, and across the globe.
Tag: Israel
A Statement from JCRC/AJC and MMCC
The Michigan Muslim Community Council (MMCC) and the Jewish Community Relations Council/ American Jewish Committee of Detroit (JCRC/AJC), who work together to help Muslims and Jews of Detroit value each other’s religions and communities, call for calm and peace in the Holy Land.
We are saddened that in this month of Ramadan, holy to Muslims worldwide, violence has broken out in the holy city of Jerusalem. We are always saddened when people are not allowed to pray and worship and live their day-to-day lives in peace. Thus, we pray for the safety and security of all who live in the Holy Land – Muslims, Jews, and Christians and for all the victims of violence.
We call for dialogue and mutual respect and for pursuing nonviolent channels for justice. We hope that our model in Detroit, of working in partnership on issues of mutual concern, can inspire those who are fighting to return to a meaningful pursuit of peace and justice for all in Jerusalem and everywhere.
Dr. Muhmud Al-Hadidi, Michigan Muslim Community Council
Rabbi Asher Lopatin, Jewish Community Relations Council/American Jewish Committee
Award-Winning Israeli Documentary Filmmaker To Discuss ISIS at Feb. 6 Event
January 24, 2019 – Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC (JCRC/AJC) and Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit’s Israel & Overseas department will welcome Itai Anghel, one of Israel’s most prominent TV journalists, to Temple Beth El (7400 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills) on Wednesday, February 6. His presentation, “ISIS – The Day After: A Look from Within,” will begin at 7 p.m. and will conclude with a dessert reception – dietary laws observed.
Through clips and first-hand experience, Anghel will address what led to the rise and fall of the ‘Islamic State’ and the Jihadists in the Middle East, which influenced Israeli and U.S. foreign policy. In doing so, he will help attendees understand the possible re-emergence of the organization’s ideas. Anghel is the only Israeli journalist who has been covering the region from the fall of Saddam Hussein to the present-day breakup of Syria.
The recipient of numerous awards, Anghel was the top recipient of the Sokolov Award, the highest award for outstanding journalism in Israel, in 2017. He is known for his unique field-work and in-depth documentaries, which feature his unique ability to deeply and fearlessly explore the most dangerous hot-spots around the globe, while intimately connecting with all parties involved. Since 2004, he has served as a senior correspondent on Israel’s Channel 2 “UVDA”, a documentary and current affairs programs, where he produces investigative documentary segments from around the world. He is currently a Knight-Wallace Fellow at the University of Michigan.
There is no cost to attend. advance registration is appreciated at itaidetroit.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Lauren Herrin at 248-642-2641 or herrin@jfmd.org.
JCRC/AJC’s mission is to represent the metropolitan Detroit Jewish community, Israel and Jews throughout the world to the general community, and to establish collaborative relationships with other ethnic, racial, civic and religious groups. JCRC/AJC educates and advocates on important issues, seeking consensus with a commitment to Jewish values. For more information visit www.jcrcajc.org.
JCRC/AJC Responds to Surge of Violence in Israel
November 13, 2018 – The Jewish community of metropolitan Detroit stands in solidarity with Israel as it faces the worst surge of violence since the 2014 Hamas-Israel war. More than 400 rockets have been fired by Hamas at civilian targets in southern Israel over the past 24 hours.
While Israel’s Iron Dome Missile Defense System has intercepted one-quarter of these rockets, many buildings and other structures have been hit. Sadly, this barrage of rockets has resulted in many injuries. A 48-year-old Palestinian man lost his life when a rocket from Gaza struck an apartment building in Ashkelon, Israel.
As the rocket fire continues, life for those in the cities affected has come to a halt – schools have been closed, all public events have been canceled and residents have been told to stay in or close to bomb shelters. To help protect these people, the IDF is moving additional tanks and infantry units to the Gaza border region and striking terrorist locations throughout Gaza.
Here in metropolitan Detroit, we are monitoring the situation closely and with great concern, but from afar. However, tomorrow we will welcome Gil Hoffman, the political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post, to two events where he will provide insight into Israeli politics and the relationship between Israeli and American Jews. Now, he undoubtedly will address this escalation in violence and explain how Israel is responding.
We remain hopeful that a ceasefire will follow soon and we keep the victims, families and individuals in southern Israel in our thoughts.
Jewish Detroit to Celebrate Israel@70 on Detroit Riverfront
Marking the 70th year of Israel’s Statehood and sharing the celebration of Israelis and Jews around the world, the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit — in partnership with GM River Days and the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy — will host festivities from 4 to 10 pm, in an exclusive preview event two days prior to the GM River Days opening to the general public. Community partners for the event include more than 30 local congregations and Jewish organizations.
The event will feature carnival rides and a host of happenings including: a “You are in Israel” photo booth, family tent offering activities from more than 40 Jewish organizations and synagogues, a strolling magician, and face painting.
WHO: Event performers include:
- Sheldon Low – Family Pop Artist
- Sami Mei – “Jewish Voice” Winner
- Capaim – Israeli Dance Band
- Persuasion – Eight-piece Party Band
- DJ Phreddy
WHERE: Detroit RiverWalk, Detroit, MI 48243
WHEN: Wednesday June 20, 2018, 4pm – 10pm
Hon. Ron Dermer, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States to Present Community-Wide Address
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit will present a community address by Hon. Ron Dermer, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States on Monday, June 4 at 7 p.m. at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills. Ambassador Dermer will share insights and updates about the about “The State of Israel,” which will be followed by a Q & A session.
The Hon. Ron Dermer has served as Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, since July 2013. He earned a degree in Finance and Management from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) from Oxford University. He was a columnist for the Jerusalem Post for several years and co-authored with Natan Sharansky the best-selling book, The Case For Democracy: The Power of Freedom to Overcome Tyranny and Terror. From 2005-2008, Mr. Dermer served as Israel’s Minister of Economic Affairs in the United States; and from 2009-2013, he served as Senior Advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The cost to attend is $18.00. Tickets can be purchased online at www.jewishdetroit.org/event/dermer. Adat Shalom Synagogue is located at 29901 Middlebelt Road in Farmington Hills.
Detroit Jewish Community Applauds Michigan Senate and House Resolutions on Israel’s 70th Anniversary
April 19, 2018 – The Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC and Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit praise the Michigan State Legislature for its passage today of resolutions celebrating 70 years since the establishment of the State of Israel.
Senate Resolution 154, sponsored by Senator Arlan Meekhof, and House Resolution 308, sponsored by Representative Robert Wittenberg, passed today …with bipartisan support. The resolutions celebrate Israel’s landmark anniversary and reaffirm the many vibrant ties that link Michigan and Israel.
“On behalf of the Detroit Jewish Federation, I would like to express our gratitude to Sen. Meekhof and Rep. Wittenberg, and all of the co-sponsors from the Michigan Senate and House, for their recognition of this historic occasion,” said Beverly Liss, President of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. “We’re extremely proud of the strong, supportive bond between Israel and the state of Michigan, and we deeply appreciate our lawmakers’ ongoing commitment to this relationship.”
Alicia Chandler, President of Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC, remarked, “Israel’s 70th anniversary is a time to pause and reflect on the miracle that is the modern state of Israel. What was just a dream for millennia is now a complex, vibrant, thriving democracy which brings innovation and technology to the world. Each year is an opportunity to celebrate pluralistic and democratic values towards which Israel continues to strive.”
The metro Detroit Jewish community will honor this milestone anniversary for the Israel through a year-long Israel@70 campaign. In the coming months, there will be at least 70 programs honoring the occasion, ranging from small gatherings to major community-wide events.
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Doing the Impossible – A Look Inside Israel Disaster Relief
“Doing the Impossible – Israel Disaster Relief,” will be the focus of a special evening featuring Dr. Ariel Bar, Former Chief Medical Officer, Home Front Command of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The event will be held on Tuesday, February 13, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at The Maple Theater in Bloomfield Hills.
During the program, Dr. Bar will discuss his work in the IDF’s search and rescue forces, which sends its corps around the world in times of need, leaping into the unknown to save as many lives as possible. Dr. Bar will share his personal stories and experiences from his service in the IDF’s field hospitals in India (2001), Haiti (2010) and Japan (2011). Presented by the Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, the event is supported in part by contributions to the Allan Gale Israel Education Initiative, created to honor Gale’s dedication to promoting Israel advocacy and his nearly four decades of service to the community.
Colonel (res.) Dr. Ariel Bar is an eye surgeon. In addition to his work with the IDF, he was a member of the ethical committee of the medical corps and Israel Medical Association. Dr. Bar initiated the first IPRED (International Preparedness and Response to Emergencies and Disasters) Conference and still runs it today. He is also the author of three novels and was the host of a radio program in Galei Zahal, the official radio station of Israel’s Army.
The event, which is open to the community, will be followed by a dessert reception. There is no charge to attend the program, but limited seating is available. Kindly register by February 9 at doingtheimpossible.eventbrite.com. For additional information, email herrin@jfmd.org.
JCRC/AJC Responds to President Trump’s Statement on Jerusalem
December 2017 – The following statement was issued by David Kurzmann, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC.
“We support President Trump’s reaffirmation of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Consistent with the bipartisan Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, his statement advances Israel’s sovereign right to choose its capital. Jerusalem is home to the Knesset, the Supreme Court, as well as most Israeli government agencies. Today’s announcement is recognition of the simple truth that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. It is inexplicable that countries throughout the world have failed to acknowledge this reality.
We endorse direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians towards a two-state solution, which is consistent with the United States policy. Bilateral negotiations remain the best route to resolving all final status issues, and we are hopeful that the peace process will be renewed to this end. We are sensitive to the ramifications of this announcement and we hope and pray for peace in Jerusalem.”