Yom HaAtzma'ut, Israel's Independence Day, commemorates the declaration of an independent State of Israel in 1948. Yom HaAtzma'ut is especially exciting this year, because Israel is turning 60! Find out how we're celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary.
60@60 Yom HaAtzma'ut Concert
Join America's celebration of Israel's 60th anniversary at Radio City Music Hall on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, with a special Yom HaAtzma'ut concert featuring Idan Raichel, Rami Kleinstein, Matisyahu, David Broza, John Zorn, Habanot Nechama, Yael Naim, and other performers. Go to www.60at60.org for tickets and more information.
The New York Yom HaAtzma'ut concert has been made possible as a result of a grant from UJA-Federation of New York and the support of several other organizations. It is part of 60@60, a series of events happening all over America during May and June to showcase the boundless creativity and prolific cultural activity in the State of Israel.
The Friedberg Jewish Community Center
The Barry and Florence Friedberg Jewish Community Center will celebrate Yom HaAtzma'ut on Monday, May 5th, with an evening of fine food, entertainment, and a wonderful salute to Israel. Internationally renowned Jewish entertainer Naomi Miller will present a song-filled tribute, "To Israel with Love!" As Ms. Miller performs, a fabulous montage of Israel photos will be shown on the Friedberg JCC's movie screen.
Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life
Sign a card for Israel's 60th birthday, which will be delivered to Hillels throughout Israel. A donor will give one shekel to Hillel's Israeli programs for every person who signs the card.
The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan
Join the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan for the fourth annual Yom HaAtzma'ut Film Marathon—a taste of Israel through the lens of some of the finest internationally acclaimed short films. This year, we will be showing the best of the last 10 years. Celebrate Israel's Independence Day with up-and-coming Israeli filmmakers in a showcase of terrific short films that capture the Israeli experience.
The Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway
Join the Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway for its annual Leadership Breakfast and Celebration of Yom HaAtzma'ut on Sunday, May 4th, at 9:30 a.m., featuring guest speaker Rabbi Avi Weiss and musical entertainment by Sandy Shmuely.
92nd Street Y
Israel: New Fears, Old Hopes, With Elie Wiesel
The birth of Israel is shrouded in mystery. Explore the miracle of the 1948 war, the hope and dreams that followed, and the issues today at a lecture with Elie Wiesel on Thursday, May 1st, at 8:00 p.m.
Yom HaAtzma'ut Family Celebration: Birthday Rooftop Party
Tour the many faces of Israel at an interactive rooftop festival in honor of Israel's birthday on Sunday, May 4th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Experience Israeli culture through dance instruction, music, food, and arts and crafts.
Yom HaAtzma'ut Party: Celebrate Israel's 60th With the Parparim Ensemble
Let your spirit soar with the Parparim Ensemble of Israeli Folk Dance and Song in an evening of entertainment, community singing, and refreshments followed by Israeli folk dancing for everyone, on Thursday, May 8th, at 8:15 p.m.
Yom HaAtzma'ut Spring Marathon
On Saturday, May 10th, dance through the night at the 92nd Street Y and usher in the delights of spring in celebration of Israel at 60.
SAJES
Annual Tribute
This year's SAJES Annual Tribute, which celebrates the accomplishments of SAJES, a UJA-Federation beneficiary agency that re-envisions Jewish education, will also include a fun birthday bash for Israel at 60! Join the festivities on Wednesday, May 28th, at 6:30 p.m. at South Huntington Jewish Center in Melville. Please call 1.631.462.8600 for more information.
Chagim Supreme "Happy 60th Birthday, Israel!"
Bring children ages 2 1/2 to 7 years to Chagim Supreme, a series of Jewish holiday celebrations through stories, songs, and crafts. On Thursday, May 8th, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., SAJES will celebrate Israel's 60th anniversary.
Sephardic Community Center
Join the Sephardic Community Center on Wednesday, May 7th, at 1:15 p.m. for a Yom HaAtzma'ut slide show by Rabbi Maimon Elbaz.
Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center
Israel is 60! Yom HaAtzma'ut — Israel's Birthday Celebration
Bring your family to the Sid Jacobson JCC for an advance celebration of Israel's 60th on Sunday, May 4th, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., featuring songs, dancing, games, and a large floor map of Israel.
Yom HaAtzma'ut — Israel's Official 60th Birthday Celebration
Your family can also join the Sid Jacobson JCC for a daylong event on the official date of Yom HaAtzma'ut: Thursday, May 8th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Activities include Israeli music and dancing, a huge birthday cake, a large floor map of Israel, Israeli treats, and an Israel letter book that will be sent to the Sid Jacobson JCC's sister JCC in Jerusalem.
HaTikvah @ 60
Teach your family the meaning and history of HaTikvah, Israel's national anthem, at this mini-workshop on Thursday, May 8th, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
