Michigan Miracle Mission 4 to Visit Israel April 19 -- 28

600 Member Mega-Mission is the Largest Jewish Group to Visit Israel in 2004 -

Peter Alter president-elect and co-chair of the Miracle Mission.

The Mega-Mission has landed and is off to an incredible start in Jerusalem already having personally met with Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and performances by David D'or and dance and percussion groups the within the first twelve hours. The mission has awaken the streets of Jerusalem; they can been seen touring, smiling, and talking with Israelis all over the city.

Federation leaders emphasized that the visit at this time underscores the Michigan Jewish community's strong desire to express solidarity with Israel. "This mission represents a microcosm of our community, moving forward to express our solidarity during this significant time in Israel's history," said Federation president, Lawrence S. Jackier. "For us the current situation has produced a tremendous pent up desire to get there. We're undertaking this mission as a means of responding to those needs."

The highlight of the mission is the visit to the Central Galilee, Michigan's Partnership 2000 region, where participants will meet with local leaders and citizens, as well as visit schools featuring the Partnerships new innitiatives in Jewish Family Education, art and cultural centers, hospitals, absorption centers. The group will also dedicate a soccer field in Nazareth Illit, donated by Detroit community leader and philanthropist Irwin Green. Most notable is the mission's participation in comemorating Yom Hazikaron (Israel's national day of rememberance for all fallen soldiers) immedietally followed by the transition to Yom Haatzmaut (Israel's independence day). Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut are the most important, powerful, and emotional days in the Israeli calendar.

Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing the Miracle Mission

The ten-day mission includes meetings with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as military, economic, industry and cultural leaders. Participants will explore security issues, visiting the seam line in Jerusalem, the security fence, Magen David Adom, Zaka and will visit terror victims in Hadassah Hospital. They will look into social issues, meeting new immigrants, Haredim, the elderly, youth at risk, and the disabled. Six one-day tracks will offer cultural, military, legal and high-tech aspects of Israel, as well as hiking and sightseeing options.

The Michigan Miracle Mission, which includes veteran travelers, as well as almost 100 first-time visitors to Israel is the fourth such group organized by the Federation, and brings the total number of its mission participants to 3,450 during the past decade, more than any other city in the U.S. The Detroit Federation has a long history of communal giving, ranking third in the U.S. for dollars raised annually. Last year the Federation raised over $34 million, with half of this amount allocated to Israel and overseas needs. The Federation's Partnership 2000 relationship with Central Galilee has invested millions of dollars in developing leadership, enhancing social services, absorbing olim and promoting educational, professional and cultural exchanges between the regions.

Iyar 5764 - April 2004