Category: Briefings & Statements

@jfederations are horrified at the targeted terrorist attack on New Year’s Day in New Orleans that killed at least 10 people and injured at least 35, including two Israeli nationals. We mourn for the lost and pray for the full and speedy recovery of the injured.

We are alarmed at reports that the driver was carrying an ISIS flag. This attack is a terrible reminder that rising extremist violence is not only a scourge for the Jewish community, but for all Americans.

We call on all government officials to increase alertness and anti-terror security measures. All Jewish Federations will continue and deepen their commitment to community security and we will continue working with our partners and policymakers to ensure that we have access to appropriate security in the face of this threat.

The Jewish Federation of Detroit is outraged by the recent antisemitic attack on the home of University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker, where a window was shattered and a car defaced with graffiti. This despicable act is not just an attack on Regent Acker and his family—it is an assault on the entire Jewish community.

Antisemitism, in any form, is abhorrent and unacceptable. Vandalizing the home of a public servant is a cowardly attempt to intimidate, divide, and sow fear. As Regent Acker has stated in response: such actions will never succeed.

The Jewish community will not tolerate these attacks. We are working closely with the Michigan Attorney General’s office, the FBI, and local law enforcement to hold accountable those who perpetrated these hateful acts.

We stand united in our commitment to protecting our community and fighting antisemitism wherever it appears. We call on our neighbors to join us in speaking out against hate and to affirm the principles of civility and mutual respect.

To Regent Acker and his family: You are not alone. The Jewish Federation and our entire community stand with you. Acts of hate will only strengthen our resolve to build a future free of fear, intolerance, and prejudice.

We are heartbroken at the news of American-Israeli Omer Neutra’s death. For 14 months, we have prayed for his safe return alongside every hostage being held by Hamas, including the other 7 American citizens in captivity. The entire Jewish people stood with his parents as they worked tirelessly to secure his release. For 422 days we have waited for the return of these hostages, and it is long past due that Hamas release them and they come home. Our hearts mourn with the Neutra family and the Jewish people on this sad day.

@jfederations welcome the agreement approved by Israel’s cabinet for a ceasefire on its northern front. Israel has long endured the unacceptable threat of Iran’s proxy Hezbollah amassing heavy weapons along its northern border, and since October 8, 2023, firing regular missiles, drones, and rockets, forcing over 60,000 people to evacuate their homes.

Throughout this harrowing period, Jewish Federations have been there to support Israel’s communities, and we will continue to support them in their needs going forward.

We are hopeful that this agreement will help pave the way for a more stable future, allow Israel’s citizens to return to their homes, and end the unacceptable rain of rockets and missiles that have terrorized Israel’s civilians these past 14 months.

We thank President Joe Biden for his lifelong support and friendship of Israel and the Jewish people.

We are deeply troubled and outraged by the recent attack on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam, which is yet another painful reminder of the rise in violent antisemitism worldwide. Acts of hate like this are unacceptable and must be condemned by all. We stand in solidarity with the victims and call for greater efforts to ensure the safety and security of Jewish people everywhere. Jewish Detroit will continue to stand strong against hate, intolerance, and violence, wherever it may appear.

The Jewish Federation of Detroit strongly condemns the recent antisemitic remarks made by Bloomfield Township Trustee Stephanie Fakih on social media, in which she said, “Israeli zionists are the scum of the earth and the only people on par are American zionists.” These comments demean and dehumanize our Jewish community and contribute to the growing climate of hatred and vitriol directed at us. This kind of incendiary language encourages the acts of hate and aggression we’ve recently experienced. Such rhetoric has no place in civil discourse and must be unequivocally condemned by our elected officials. There is no room for hate in our community. 

We will be present at next Monday’s Township Board meeting to ensure that our voices are heard, and to stand up for the dignity and safety of the Jewish people.