Detroit welcomed Israeli teens for two-week respite trip, offering healing, resilience, and the power of global Jewish unity
DETROIT, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ORT Michigan, in partnership with World ORT, hosted 12 Israeli teenagers and three chaperones for a two-week respite trip in Detroit last month. The delegation, part of World ORT’s Journey to Renewal initiative, gave young people living with the trauma of Oct. 7 and ongoing conflict a rare opportunity to step away from daily reality and begin to heal.
ORT Michigan Director, Nicole Miller, at right, welcomes Israeli students to Detroit for a respite trip.
Credit: ORT America
The students, ages 14 to 18, arrived carrying the weight of PTSD after enduring evacuations, loss, and the constant stress of war. What they found in Detroit was more than a change of scenery — it was a lifeline. The group was embraced by host families who opened their homes and hearts. Their schedule balanced fun with reflection: ziplining at TreeRunner, a Detroit Tigers game, the Motown Museum, the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, shopping at Somerset and Great Lakes Crossing, and touring downtown Detroit with local guide Linda Yellin. A highlight was a three-day stay at Tamarack Camps, where students bonded through team-building exercises, waterfront activities and a camp cookout.
Detroit families described hosting as transformative. Jeff Friedman, who welcomed two boys, said: “It’s been such a pleasure having Amit and Liav with us and seeing the impact we’ve had on each other. To give them an opportunity to enjoy a little of what Michigan offers in the summer, and to get away from what they’re dealing with in Israel, is really special.”
Robbie Sherman echoed: “Hosting these girls has totally changed my life and increased my passion to continue providing ORT students with incredible opportunities.”
Parents in Israel also expressed gratitude. Ann and Lior Rettig, whose son Amit was hosted by Julie and Ronald Hirsch, wrote: “It was an extraordinary experience of warmth, acceptance, and generosity that will remain with him for a long time. After two particularly challenging years, the children were given a much-needed break – a rare opportunity to step away from daily reality. Our deepest thanks go to the wonderful host families, the organizers, and the entire Detroit community for the incredible support and love you showered upon the children.”
Dr. Moshe Leiba, Chief Pedagogy Officer of World ORT Kadima Mada, noted: “The Detroit community exceeded my expectations. The love and support given to the kids created a sense of unity. They now understand what it means to belong to the greater Jewish nation. We are one.”
The Detroit trip builds on delegations to Los Angeles, Mexico City, and New York. ORT plans to expand the trips, with the next delegation scheduled for Phoenix in late 2025.
About ORT America
ORT America is the leading fundraising organization supporting World ORT, the world’s largest Jewish education network. Through schools, colleges, and programs in more than 30 countries, ORT provides students with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive.
Media Contact: Anna Stein
ORT America
[email protected]
SOURCE ORT America
