ZOA National President Morton A. Klein Joins DOJ Task Force Chairman Leo Terrell for Major Community Event and Visits to Jewish Institutions Following Terror Attack
The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), through its Michigan region, welcomed Leo Terrell, Chairman of the U.S. Department of Justice Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, to metropolitan Detroit for a series of events and visits focused on confronting the alarming rise of antisemitism, hearing directly from Jewish communities, and strengthening cooperation with federal authorities.
The centerpiece of the visit was “The American Tour Against Hate – An Evening of Unity,” held October 14 at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, Michigan. The event brought together hundreds of community members, Jewish leaders, and representatives of organizations committed to combating antisemitism.
ZOA National President Morton A. Klein delivered a special address, emphasizing the urgent need to confront antisemitism wherever it appears, defend Jewish civil rights, and ensure that Jewish Americans can live, worship, and express their support for Israel without fear or intimidation.
Klein stressed the importance of holding institutions accountable when they fail to address antisemitic discrimination, harassment, and threats, particularly on college campuses and in educational settings. He reaffirmed ZOA’s longstanding commitment to fighting antisemitism through education, advocacy, and legal action.
The evening also provided an opportunity for Terrell and his team to hear directly about the challenges facing Michigan’s Jewish community, including threats against synagogues, harassment of Jewish students, and growing concerns about community safety.
The program was organized by ZOA Michigan.
ZOA National President Morton A. Klein, ZOA Michigan Executive Director Kobi Erez, and ZOA Michigan President Sheldon L. Freilich speak at “The American Tour Against Hate – An Evening of Unity,” held October 14 at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Michigan.
ZOA’s Mort Klein and DOJ Delegation Visit Site of Terror Attack at Temple Israel
On October 15, ZOA Michigan arranged for Terrell and members of the Justice Department delegation and Mort Klein to visit Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, the site of the March 12 terrorist attack.
During the visit, the delegation toured the synagogue, viewed damage caused by the attack, and heard firsthand accounts of the terrifying events that unfolded when an armed attacker drove into the building while young children were attending its Early Childhood Center.
Among those sharing their experiences was Ali Shaw, a mother whose child was inside the building during the attack. Her account brought home the fear experienced by Jewish families and the devastating consequences that such acts of hatred can have on an entire community.
The delegation’s Michigan itinerary also included visits and meetings at other Jewish institutions, providing federal officials with a broader understanding of the challenges facing synagogues, Jewish schools, and community organizations.
A central focus of these visits was the extraordinary financial burden of protecting Jewish institutions. The discussions emphasized the urgent need for increased federal assistance to help cover the rising costs of armed security personnel, security infrastructure, and emergency preparedness.
Jewish communities should not have to divert substantial resources from education, religious life, and community programming simply to ensure that their children and families are safe.
ZOA’s Commitment to Fighting Antisemitism
For decades, ZOA, under Mort Klein’s leadership, has been at the forefront of efforts to expose and combat antisemitism, defend Jewish students, and advocate for the safety and civil rights of Jewish Americans.
The American Tour Against Hate provided an important opportunity to bring those concerns directly to senior federal officials and connect national advocacy with the experiences of local Jewish communities.
The message throughout the Michigan visit was clear: Combating antisemitism requires more than words of condemnation. It demands accountability, meaningful government action, and the resources necessary to protect Jewish lives.
ZOA remains committed to working with government officials, law enforcement, and Jewish institutions to ensure that antisemitism is confronted wherever it emerges and that Jewish Americans can live safely and proudly as Jews.
ZOA National President Morton A. Klein and Leo Terrell, Esq.
Leo Terrell, Esq., Morton Klein, and Paul Yedwab of Temple Israel
Morton Klein, Leo Terrell Esq., and Paul Yedwab
ZOA National President Morton A. Klein and Leo Terrell, Esq.