Shabbat Message

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. 

Michigan Representative John James with Steve Ingber, CEO of the Jewish Federation and Gary Sikorski, Director, Jewish Community Security Inc. (JCSI)
Members of the Detroit delegation with Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin

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

Onward program participant Aidan Fishkind, a Detroiter who was in Israel during the recent military conflict with Iran

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.

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