How One Intern Found Purpose Through Local Jewish Connection
(Photo: Aidan talking to the owner of Comsa Coffee, a vendor at the Ferry Park Summer Market)
When conflict escalated in Israel earlier this summer, sixteen metro Detroit college students participating in the Jewish Federation of Detroit’s Onward Israel program were sent home early. Among them was Aidan Fishkind, who had just begun a two-month internship with the Jaffa Institute in Tel Aviv.
“I was very upset that I had to leave,” Aidan said, “but grateful that I got such a unique experience anyway.”
Like many of his peers, Aidan returned to Michigan uncertain about how to salvage his summer. That’s when the Jewish community stepped in.
His mother reached out to Federation, hoping to find a new opportunity for Aidan and the other Detroit college students. Federation then reached out to Gesher, which was best suited to help. Within days, Jason Charnas, Gesher’s Director of Business and Career Services, and Rachel Jaffe, Gesher’s NEXTGen Employment Specialist, had contacted nearly 25 local Jewish organizations that were more than willing to host an intern on short notice.
One of those organizations was Mezuzah Detroit, a nonprofit dedicated to building sustainable Jewish life in the city of Detroit.
“I was on the 2014 Teen Mission that got cut short, so I could relate to what Aidan and the others were experiencing,” said Jeremy Rosenberg, Mezuzah Detroit’s Executive Director. “We made room for Aidan to join us and contribute meaningfully.”
And contribute he did.
All summer, Aidan has helped organize and staff community events like the Ferry Park Summer Market and Stroller Club, building relationships and becoming a familiar, friendly face for area residents.
“Being welcomed by Mezuzah was incredibly meaningful,” Aidan said. “While in Israel, I had started a list of summer goals for when I got home. At the top was to find a way to give back. Mezuzah, Gesher, and Federation made that possible.”
Jeremy shared that Aidan’s work has directly supported Mezuzah’s mission to make Jewish Detroit more rooted and livable for young professionals and families. “We’re building infrastructure that encourages people to stay – things like a new park, kosher coffee shop, and kosher micro-market,” Jeremy said. “Aidan’s involvement is a real example of what it looks like when young Jews are part of the solution.”
Though he never expected to spend his summer this way, Aidan says the experience has been transformative.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is that no matter how dire the situation, there are people in your corner – granted, that corner may be about 6,000 miles away from you, but you’re not alone,” he said. “The Jewish community is always there, no matter how far away.”
When asked whether he would recommend a local internship to other students, his answer was simple: “Absolutely. Giving back to your hometown is deeply personal. Your community needs you – and you’ll be glad you stepped up.”
