Tag: Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit

JCRC/AJC EXPANDS ANNUAL MITZVAH DAY INTO THREE-DAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Jewish Community Relations Council/American Jewish Committee (JCRC/AJC) will mark its 25th Annual Mitzvah Day, which takes place on Christmas Day, by hosting it for the entire holiday weekend, beginning Friday, December 24 and ending Sunday, December 26. The traditionally daylong event is held in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.

Called Mitzvah Weekend this year, volunteers of all ages and faiths, including Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Christian, will visit organizations throughout Detroit and its surrounding communities providing services to fill staff shortages or allow nonprofits to reduce staffing for the holiday.

“As the Christmas holiday takes place on a Saturday this year, we knew it would be beneficial to both the participating organizations and volunteers to expand the program’s length,” said Rabbi Asher Lopatin, executive director of Jewish Community Relations Council/American Jewish Committee. “For the nonprofits offering opportunities, we have found that some are planning different or expanded activities since Christmas is not during the week. For our more observant volunteers who mark the Sabbath, this change will allow them to give back on Friday before sundown or the day after Christmas.”

Volunteer opportunities, which will include activities like serving meals and building clean-up, are slated to be available at organizations such as Brilliant Detroit, Pope Francis Center, Michigan Humane Society and Samaritas.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, JCRC/AJC will inform the public of available opportunities through weekly eblasts and social media postings, which will begin the week following Thanksgiving. These announcements will include a description of volunteer activities, a contact person at the organization and any mask or vaccination requirements. Those interested will then register and finalize details directly with the selected nonprofit.

Mitzvah Day, which is historically the single largest day of volunteering by Detroit’s Jewish community, was founded in 1996. The word “mitzvah” is Hebrew for “commandement,” and commonly refers to performing a good deed.

“While the pandemic has affected this beloved community tradition, we know that the spirit of giving is stronger than ever. We hope people of all backgrounds, ages and faiths take advantage of this beautiful opportunity to come together, safely, to give to others,” added Rabbi Lopatin.

How to receive Mitzvah Weekend information: Option 1: Visit www.jcrcajc.org and add email to sign-up bar at bottom of the page; Option 2: Follow JCRC/AJC on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/JCRCAJC or Instagram at @jcrcajc.

For more information, contact Sandy Lippitt at slippitt@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.

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Community Briefing: A Security Update

May 8 – Last week we observed Yom HaShoah, a remembrance of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. Sadly, the admonition to ‘never forget’ is unnecessary in a world where hatred and violence directed towards the Jewish people remains commonplace.

The assaults on the Chabad of Poway Synagogue in San Diego and the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh are only the most recent reminders of the lethal impact of anti-Semitism and the legacy of hate in modern society. Recent data from the ADL reveals “near-historic levels of anti-Semitism in 2018, including a doubling of anti-Semitic assaults.”

With this in mind, we’d like to share information related to security concerns in our Detroit community, and offer some perspectives and resources that may benefit our community members.

Ongoing Community-Wide Security Efforts

The Jewish Federation and its partners have long recognized the critical importance of sustained and vigilant security. For over a decade, our Community-Wide Security team has been dedicated to ensuring the safety of our schools, congregations, agency buildings and Jewish campuses. This team works in close collaboration with their peers in local and national law enforcement to help keep our children, seniors and families safe.

Thanks to our generous donors, in the 2018/19 calendar year we allocated roughly $850,000 towards our Community-Wide Security efforts. In 2019/2020, we hope to increase that to roughly $2,000,000. This funding provides for:

  • a team of highly-experienced security officers deployed throughout the community
  • ongoing trainings, evaluations and consultation with our Jewish organizations
  • tools and technology to monitor and protect our facilities
  • close coordination with security and law enforcement entities on a local and national level
  • additional contract security personnel placed throughout the community

We also are pleased to announce a new $500,000 matching grant program for our Synagogues and Temples. This program will help enhance the physical protection of buildings and bolster on-site security personnel in our places of worship.

What You Can Do

Events like the most recent shooting in Poway, present numerous questions beyond securing our institutions. How do we explain such tragedies to our children? What public policy solutions are possible to push back against the rising anti-Semitism? Should we act any differently knowing that such hate-motivated violence is so real in our society? The list goes on. Here are some suggestions of ways to respond:

  1. If you see something, say something. Immediately report suspicious behavior to local law enforcement. Be aware of activities on social media and report concerns with guns, threats or other alarming activities.
  2. AJC is leading a campaign to urge all members of Congress to join the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism here. The rise of anti-Semitism is a serious issue and our legislators must remain vigilant. Locally, JCRC/AJC has helped secure the support of several members.
  3. ADL has a number of educational resources (below) for a range of uses both personally and in the classroom, as well as a blog on the situation in California:

Maintaining Our Jewish Way of Life

Finally, we want to remind our community that there is no more important response to hated and anti-Semitism than the simple act of maintaining our Jewish lives and traditions.

Our charge as Jewish communal organizations is to protect our most vulnerable members and provide for the security and well-being of all. We do this so that together we can continue to worship and celebrate, observe, learn and grow – as Jewish individuals and as a community united in the face of a complex and often frightening world, and with undiminished passion for our Jewish way of life.

Click here to see full e-blast from Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.

 

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.

We Mourn the Victims in Pittsburgh and Stand in Solidarity

October 28, 2018 – JCRC/AJC mourns the 11 Jews murdered at Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh yesterday. We pray for those wounded, including the police officers who were injured in the line of duty. The horror of a synagogue being targeted on Shabbat, on the morning of a bris, is the worst nightmares of our community come to fruition. We are shaken to our core. This hate crime not only inflicts immense pain on those who were attacked, but also terrorizes the entire Jewish community. We are strong and resilient. We will not cower in the face of such evil.

We are grateful for the many expressions of support and sympathy from the diverse communities of metropolitan Detroit. Community leaders and individuals have raised their voices publicly and privately to let us know that we do not stand alone in our pain and grief. These expressions of solidarity strengthen us in this dark time.

As the tragedy unfolded yesterday, JCRC/AJC’s first focus was to fulfill our role as the media spokesperson for the Jewish community. We worked closely with local news outlets to make sure that the voice of the local Jewish community was represented in their stories. Some of our published and recorded comments can be found at the bottom of this e-mail.

We commend the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit for their eloquent community message, which can be read here, and thank them for their partnership with JCRC/AJC as we work together to respond to this tragedy.

JCRC/AJC and our partners are working now on opportunities for the community to mourn together. We will share updates as soon as the details are available. Please follow our Facebook page for updates and when plans are confirmed, we will email you again.

We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community of Pittsburgh and communities nationwide. May those who are injured find complete healing and may the memories of those lost forever be a blessing.

Detroit Free Press

WJBK-FOX 2 News

WDIV- NBC 4

WXYZ- ABC 7

Community Briefing: Response to Events at the University of Michigan

October 10, 2018 – Over the past few weeks, events have unfolded at the University of Michigan that are deeply troubling. First, a professor reversed his decision to provide a letter of recommendation to a student wishing to study abroad when he learned that the student intended to study in Tel Aviv. Second, a guest lecturer in the Stamps School of Art and Design gave a presentation that included a grotesque image equating Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with Adolf Hitler. Earlier this week, we learned of a second instructor denying a letter of recommendation to a student who intended to study in Israel.

We are disturbed by these incidents on campus that have understandably drawn the attention and concern of many within our community – locally and beyond. We feel your frustration and we share your concerns. We know that many people are anxious to see a response from the University. To that end, we are in close contact with the University’s leadership, and have made a number of strong recommendations in private conversation. We are pleased that some of these recommendations have been enacted very recently, including the University taking action to discipline the professor who denied the first student a letter of recommendation.

Read more in this article from The Detroit News.

This latest news is an important step in the right direction, but more work remains. The proposed policies and programs listed below are specific actions that we are seeking from the University to address recent incidents and to create meaningful change going forward.

Federation, JCRC/AJC and ADL are working together in partnership with Hillel at the University of Michigan to ensure a safe and supportive campus environment for Jewish students. This remains our top priority. No student should feel targeted or isolated because of their support for Israel.

Proposed Policies and Programs for University of Michigan

The University’s commitment to inclusive excellence must have means for addressing campus climate. This effort needs to specifically include issues affecting Jewish students and issues of anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic forms of anti-Zionism. Discrimination, bias and harassment have no place at a university. All federal and state anti-discrimination laws apply and must be implemented through an institutional accountability framework for addressing allegations and supporting victims as well as providing due process for the accused.

It is in that vein that we call upon the University to do the following:

  1. Establish a University policy on letters of recommendation: In light of the multiple incidents in which students have been denied letters of recommendation, we call upon the University to set up guidelines for such letters so that students wishing to go abroad for academic purposes are not penalized because of their professors’ political viewpoints. News of the University’s discipline of the professor who abused his authority is encouraging. It is critical to make sure policies are in place to prevent this from happening again — ensuring students are always supported in their academic pursuits.
  2. Implement training that addresses anti-Semitism: Administrators, faculty and staff should receive regular (at least annual) training on campus climate issues and methods for addressing issues of racism and bigotry, including anti-Semitism/anti-Zionism, on campus and in the classroom. It is critical for administrators, faculty and staff to have the ability to identify problems and address them in the context of both the first amendment/free speech protections as well as disciplinary codes for disruption that set boundaries on where speech and behavior cross the line. This type of training should be included in efforts by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. There should be appropriate resources and designated professionals who will resolve these issues.
  3. Apply the University’s non-discrimination policy equally: The State Department’s Working Definition of anti-Semitism can provide useful guidance on the changing nature of anti-Semitism. Most incidents of anti-Semitism on campus are unrelated to anti-Israel activity. But there are instances in which anti-Israel activity – including anti-Semitic stereotypes and anti-Israel or anti-Zionism expressions coded as political discourse – cross the line to targeted, intentional, unlawful, discriminatory intimidation and harassment of Jewish students. The University must develop a system for handling anti-Semitic incidents with a transparent process that students can follow when these situations arise. Tolerating anti-Semitism, including anti-Semitic forms of anti-Zionism, where one would otherwise condemn such hatred is allowing a destructive double standard to fester.

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.