The week of May 12, we had the honor of hosting our Israeli Steering Committee from the Partnership2Gether program. Over four powerful days, our partners from Israel didn’t just see Detroit—they felt it. They met our people. They walked our streets. They prayed with us, learned with us, dreamed with us. And together, we built a bridge—one made not of concrete, but of shared values, shared identity and shared hope.
From a bus tour of Jewish Detroit’s past, present and future to deep conversations over dinner with community members, we experienced what it means to live a Judaism rooted in resilience and creativity. As one of our guests put it, “Judaism is a light unto the nations.” We saw that light shining through every stop—from the vibrant Hillel Day School classrooms, to Soul Café where creativity meets soul, to Temple Israel where prayer is woven with purpose.
One of the most moving moments was seeing two clocks hanging side by side in the corridor at Hillel School—one showing Detroit time, the other Jerusalem time. It was a simple, visual reminder: our hearts can beat in two places at once.
At Tamarack Camps, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work—not just building strategy, but building bridges. Between young adults here and in Israel. Between Jewish communities separated by miles but united by mission. Between generations.
We remembered that the future of our community isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. It’s written into the laughter of our children, the stories of our elders, the dreams of our young leaders. We saw again and again how education, identity and connection are the pillars of a strong, vibrant Jewish people.
P2G is not just a program—it is our collective voice, a declaration that Am Yisrael Chai—the people of Israel live—here in Detroit, in our partnership region in Israel and around the world.
To keep this partnership thriving, we need your continued leadership and investment. This is more than hospitality—it’s legacy work. It’s l’dor v’dor—from generation to generation.
Let us leave you with one more image from the week: a synagogue that looks like a church, where Black Christians and Jews gathered as one community. It reminded us: the walls may be different, but the prayers for justice, peace and understanding are the same.
We are family. That was the message heard loud and clear throughout the visit. From dinner tables to classrooms to camp trails, we reaffirmed: we don’t just support Israel—we are Israel. And we are Detroit. Together.
Now is the time to act boldly. To nurture the philanthropy within us. To elevate not only others, but ourselves. To say with strength and clarity: We are here, we care and we’re not going anywhere.
Let’s continue building this partnership—not as an obligation, but as an opportunity. For our children, for our people and for a future filled with light.