Category: Briefings & Statements

The Jewish community grieves with our neighbors and friends in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, following today’s horrific attack in Grand Blanc. We pray for those killed and injured, as well as their family and friends and thank the courageous first responders. In this time of mourning and sorrow, we hold the victims of this senseless act in our hearts.  

As always, we stand in solidarity with our neighbors to say: all places of worship must be places of peace and security, free from violence and terror. May the memories of the innocent be a blessing and a source of strength. 

September 19, 2025

 If there is one lesson we’ve learned this past year, it is that none of us are ever truly alone. 

The beauty of Jewish life—especially here in Detroit—is that we are bound together by our traditions, our shared values and our unshakable sense of responsibility to each other. This truth has carried us through an extraordinarily difficult chapter in our history. 

Nearly two years after October 7, the echo of that terrible day continues to reverberate. Hostages remain in captivity, Israel continues to defend itself against terror and the scourge of antisemitism persists across the globe. Yet even in the face of these painful realities, our Jewish community has remained strong, rooted in resolve and purpose. 

Indeed, this past year has illuminated something extraordinary: the unshakable spirit of the Jewish people. In communities across North America, in Israel and throughout the world, we have come together with courage and compassion, standing side by side to care for one another and to defend our shared future. 

These times remind us why the Federation exists: To ensure that the most vulnerable among us are cared for with dignity and compassion, and that our institutions remain safe and secure. To create opportunities for every member of our community to live a rich and meaningful Jewish life—grounded in tradition, filled with purpose and connected to one another. To stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Israel and with our Jewish brothers and sisters around the world. 

It is only possible thanks to the generosity and dedication of our supporters, including over ten thousand individual donors who have invested in Jewish Detroit this year, along with our major Jewish community foundations. 

As we prepare to welcome the New Year, we can reflect with gratitude on the rich and diverse fabric of Jewish life in our community. It is also a time to look ahead with hope and determination. 

We are deeply grateful for your support and your unwavering commitment to our community. On behalf of the Jewish Federation and United Jewish Foundation of Detroit, we extend to you and your loved ones our warmest wishes for a shanah tovah u’metukah—a happy, healthy New Year filled with meaning and purpose.

Shabbat shalom.

Brian Hermelin
President, Jewish Federation of Detroit

Michael Berger
President, United Jewish Foundation

Steven Ingber
CEO, Jewish Federation of Detroit
 

September 8, 2025

We are heartbroken and outraged by the brutal attack on innocent civilians in Jerusalem this morning. Our deepest condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones, and our prayers are with all those injured and impacted by this horrific act of terror.

We unequivocally condemn this heinous attack and reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the people of Israel.

In moments like these, we stand together— united against hatred and terror—and resolute in our commitment to a future of safety, peace, and security for all.

September 5, 2025

Click here to see the Shabbat Message video.

Transcript

STEVEN INGBER: 
This is a busy time of year for everyone. Kids and teachers are back in school, and families are starting to prepare for the holidays. 

It’s a time of year when security concerns are on the minds of many in our community, which is why we want to take a moment to let you know what Federation is doing to keep our community safe. 

With me today is Gary Sikorski, Director of Jewish Community Security, Incorporated—also known as JCSI. 

JCSI is an independent organization that works closely with the  Federation to ensure the security of our community. 

I’ll let Gary give you an update on what JCSI is doing to protect Jewish Detroit. 

GARY SIKORSKI: 
Thanks, Steve. 

If you’ve been to any of our schools, agencies, camps or campuses, you’ve probably seen our highly-trained JCSI security officers, who are there to ensure that our students and families can gather and learn in safe environments. 
 
And as we approach the High Holidays, our team has been working with synagogues and temples across the community to strengthen security plans, provide training, and ensure that our congregations are ready to welcome people with confidence and peace of mind. 
 
Training is a cornerstone of what we do—whether it’s situational awareness, staff preparation, or emergency response. These opportunities help empower community members to play a role in our collective safety. 
 
We’re also deeply connected with law enforcement at every level. Our ongoing communication and coordination with them adds even greater protection for our community. 
 
At the national level, we’re part of the Secure Community Network, the official security partner of the Jewish Federations of North America. This  allows us to benefit from national resources, expertise, and support. 
 
And finally, we continuously monitor potential risks and keep our partners informed—always with the goal of being proactive—not reactive—and ensuring that you can participate in Jewish life with confidence. 
 
STEVEN INGBER: 
Thanks Gary, and on behalf of our entire community I want to thank you and your team for all you do for Jewish Detroit. 
 
Remember, if you see something, say something. 
 
Shabbat Shalom. I hope everyone enjoys a safe and joyful day of rest. 

August 29, 2025

We are deeply disturbed that the upcoming People’s Conference for Palestine in Detroit provides a platform to speakers advocating for the destruction of Israel, including a convicted terrorist who plotted an attack targeting Israeli civilians.

This conference, which vilifies Zionism, the right to self-determination for the Jewish people, does nothing to advance peace and alarmingly escalates tensions – in Detroit, around the country, and abroad.

We look forward to a day when peace between the Israeli people and the Palestinian people prevails and all people in the region can live without the threat of Hamas and other terrorist organizations responsible for the ongoing conflict

June 27, 2025

We are living through a period of historic events and fast-changing headlines—moments that will shape the future both here and in Israel. In this time of complexity and challenge, we have every reason to feel proud and confident in the strength of our community and the future we are building together.

These times may test us, but they also reveal the extraordinary spirit of our people. 

In Detroit and across Israel, our community is responding with resilience, unity, and purpose. We are standing up to rising antisemitism, supporting those impacted by hatred and aggression, and showing what it means to care for one another—not just in word, but in action.

This week, a delegation from our community traveled to Washington, D.C. to join a national Federation fly-in for high-level meetings with members of Congress. In the halls of power, we advocated to our nation’s leaders for stronger measures to protect Jewish life here in the U.S. and to ensure the safety and strength of the State of Israel. Our message was simple: Like any other group, the Jewish people are entitled to live safe, secure lives, free from hatred. 

You can join the effort by urging Congress to adopt the Jewish community’s Six-Point Policy on Security, which seeks to ensure that Jewish Americans can gather, worship, and live without fear. Learn and take action HERE. 

Our commitment extends well beyond advocacy. With your support, Federation worked with our staff and partners on the ground to provide emergency funds directly to Israelis impacted by missile attacks—offering immediate aid to those who’ve lost homes, loved ones, and peace of mind. We also coordinated efforts to keep Detroiters stranded in Israel safe and to help bring our Detroit students home safely. Watch a brief local TV news story on these efforts HERE. 

At home, Jewish Community Security Inc. (JCSI), our trusted partner, operates on the front lines of communal safety, securing our schools, summer camps and community institutions, and training professionals to respond effectively in times of crisis. 

Above all, we are committed to creating opportunities for our community to live vibrant Jewish lives—rich with meaningful experiences and deep connections to one another and to our tradition. At Jewish schools, summer camps, and institutions across the city, each day adds a new chapter to the remarkable story of our people.

We are grateful for the partnership and support of our Jewish community as we stand strong and proud—together. 
As we welcome Shabbat, we wish you and your loved ones rest, renewal, and moments of light in the week ahead. May you find peace and joy amidst the complexities of our world, and may God bless our Jewish community and all the Jewish people, near and far. 

Shabbat Shalom. 

We know this is a challenging time. For those who may be struggling with anxiety, depression or trauma-related difficulties, the community is here to help. Contact jhelp at jhelp.org or call 248-592-2650.