The Jewish community of Detroit donates over one million shekels towards emergency plans for activities of Nazareth Illit children and youth in the wake of the fighting in the north.
The community also donated a considerable sum for renovating and improving public bomb shelters in Nazareth Illit.

Since the beginning of hostilities in the north more than 1,000 children and teens from Nazareth Illit have been enjoying activities held in recreation and activity centers in Nazareth Illit and the center of the country.  Menachem Ariav, the city's mayor, said this week: "Detroit's Jews were the first to express support and to assist us during this difficult time."

Following the state of emergency that was declared in the country, Menachem Ariav, the mayor of Nazareth Illit, together with Hava Bachar, deputy mayor and holder of the education portfolio, and Osnat Mordechai, director of the city's chain of community centers, made a decision to try conducting routine life in the city-to the greatest extent possible.  Joining the effort was the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, known for its close ties with Nazareth Illit and its residents in normal times via the Partnership 2000 project, and now, with the state of emergency spoiling summer vacation for the city's children and youth, immediately rushing to their assistance.

The Jewish community of Detroit donated over one million shekels for improving and renovating the area's bomb shelters, as well as for various activities to be conducted in bomb shelters, the city's chain of community centers, and in the Municipality Building.  The community also provided funding for transportation, with dozens of buses filled with children and teens making their way each week to various activity centers in central Israel. Upon receiving the donation, which added to the generous donations provided by the Jewish Agency, various associations, and Bank Leumi, the city of Nazareth Illit and its chain of community centers quickly and efficiently mobilized to provide diverse solutions for the city's children and youth during the country's state of emergency. 

Over the last two weeks busloads of children from Nazareth Illit, aged from 3-½ to 12 years old, have been traveling for enjoyable days of recreation: The first day at the Ramat Gan safari, strolling around and then having lunch on the safari's lawns, and the following day spending time in Raanana Park, frolicking and playing at the numerous game facilities provided to them.  On the weekend a family outing was arranged, in association with the Absorption Department, the Meymadion Water Park, and the Holon Children's Museum.  This week the children went to the "Dream House", a children's amusement center on kibbutz Givat Brenner. 

At the same time, summer camp activities are being held each day in protected areas at community centers spread throughout the city.  And at the bomb shelter in the Municipality Building workshops and social activities are being offered in order to ease tensions.

Neither have the teens been left out-they flocked in large numbers for a fun day at Luna Park, had a great time at Ganei Huga, and traveled for four days of ultimate enjoyment at the Mozinson Youth Village in Hod Hasharon. Additionally, Noar Illit youths traveled for fun at the Hof Hayarok Hotel, where they enjoyed social and challenge activities, disco nights, and swimming pool fun.

Volunteering for emergency activities were students from the Hazlacha Center, soldiers, and girl-soldier teachers.

These extensive activities were made possible thanks to the kind and generous donations of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, the Jewish Agency, Bank Leumi, various associations, and the Municipality of Nazareth Illit. Hava Bachar, deputy mayor and holder of the education portfolio, reports that the community centers and the Municipality of Nazareth Illit are prepared for continued activities during the month of August as well.