In March 2025, thirty-three women from Detroit’s Jewish community traveled to Israel on the Jewish Federation of Detroit’s Women’s Philanthropy Pappas Impact Mission — a journey of solidarity, remembrance and resilience. Sponsored by Susie and Norm Pappas, the mission reflected Women’s Philanthropy’s enduring commitment to supporting Israel and strengthening Jewish life at home and abroad.
Originally envisioned in 2022 as a celebration of Israeli women making an impact, the trip took on a new meaning after October 7. Following two postponements, co-chairs Susan Feber and Sherrie Singer, along with WP President and Federation Mission Director Nancy Glen, Israel Representative Naomi Miller and WP Director Amy Neistein, reimagined the experience to focus on witnessing history, supporting healing and bringing stories back to Detroit.
A Changed Israel
Arriving in Israel, the group immediately sensed the emotional weight in the air. “You could feel the heaviness the moment you landed,” said participant Robbie Sherman.
The opening program featured Aviva Siegel, who survived 51 days in Hamas captivity. Her story of strength set a solemn tone, underscoring the ongoing trauma Israelis are facing even months after October 7.
Throughout the week, the women visited sites where Detroit Federation’s support is helping Israelis heal. At HaGal Sheli, surfing becomes therapy for soldiers and survivors. At Adama Tova in Detroit’s Partnership2Gether Central Galilee region, parents who lost children in the attacks are finding solace through art therapy. At Platforma Theater, survivors’ testimonies from the Gaza Envelope and Nova Festival are preserved through performance and storytelling.
Knowing these programs were supported by the Detroit Federation was a point of pride for many participants. “To see the impact that our community is making is so incredible,” said participant Carey Bloom.
Honoring The Fallen
At Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, the women witnessed Israel’s fresh grief. New sections filled with the graves of soldiers lost during Operation Swords of Iron were lined with photographs, letters, balloons and mementos.
“I will never forget the sight of two young mothers, their children dressed as Queen Esther, visiting and washing their Abbas’ graves,” reflected Alissa Pianin.
There, participants heard firsthand from grieving families, including those of 20-year-old Ariel Sosnov, 21-year-old Lone Soldier Rose Lublin, and Detroit-born Yakir Tatelbaum, whose stories made the losses feel deeply personal.
In The Gaza Envelope
The group’s visit to the Gaza Envelope was among the most powerful days of the mission. At Kibbutz Be’eri, heavily devastated during the October 7 attacks, they saw firsthand the destruction and learned about the community’s plans to rebuild — a testament to Israeli resilience.
At Kibbutz Gevim, Federation’s newest partner community, the women reconnected with former Tamarack Israeli campers and donated over 100 books for a new library. The group also traveled to the Nova Festival grounds, where they met Maayan Dee, a survivor of the massacre, surrounded by more than 300 memorials honoring those who perished. By the sixth day of the trip, many of the victims’ names had become heartbreakingly familiar.
Moments of Light
Amidst the grief, moments of hope and pride shone through. At the Shulamit outpost, home to the IDF’s Lions of Jordan Brigade, the group attended the dedication of a relaxation space funded by Susie and Norm Pappas.
“Going to the IDF base was one of the most meaningful moments for me,” said Nancy Glen. “Understanding what is at stake for Israel hit home for me the most.”
the group was led in dance by a young entrepreneur who receives support from a Detroit Federation-funded program.
The mission’s time in Detroit’s Partnership2Gether region was another highlight. Participants met with women entrepreneurs supported by Federation grants, witnessing firsthand the impact of Detroit’s support for Israeli society.
“It was so impactful to see the Detroit community’s efforts to support Israeli society in so many ways,” said Feber.
On Purim, the women joined hundreds at Hostages Square for a Megillah reading — a powerful scene of celebration infused with sorrow, surrounded by images of the hostages still being held.
Bringing The Experience Home
The Pappas Impact Mission reflected the essence of Women’s Philanthropy — compassionate leadership, active engagement, and a deep commitment to strengthening Jewish life in Detroit, Israel and beyond. As the mission came to a close, the participants left not only with memories but also with a sense of responsibility: to share what they witnessed, to advocate and to keep Israel’s story alive in Detroit.
“How can I bring Israel home?” wondered Amy Newman. “How can I infuse it into conversations?”
Sharing what they witnessed, telling stories of the fallen, fighting misinformation with knowledge gleaned from two of the trip’s speakers, Dr. Einat Wilf and Dr. Gil Troy, are just a few ways the participants plan to make an impact in our community.
That, and encouraging travel to Israel itself. “Now is the time,” Jayme Kirschner said, urging others to visit the homeland. “It’s always the time.”
Photos: Debbie Hill
