Holocaust survivor to join boycott of synagogue in Ann Arbor

A Holocaust survivor's speech at a a Presbyterian church in Ann Arbor will take place as scheduled Saturday, but her plan to join a weekly picket outside a synagogue has irritated members of the Jewish community. Hedy Epstein, 79, will speak at the First Presbyterian Church about the conflict between Israel and Palestine. At the beginning of World War II, Epstein was one of thousands of German children sent to safety in England, but later lost her parents at the hands of the Nazis. In her speeches, she opposes Israeli occupation of Palestine.

"Before speaking at the church, Epstein plans to participate in a Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends demonstration outside Sabbath services at Beth Israel Congregation, a Conservative synagogue on Washtenaw Avenue. The Witnesses group wants Israel to leave the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem.

The vigil begins at 9:30 a.m. and the church event at 1 p.m.