Community celebrates Israel

Two events were held to celebrate Israel during the first few days of May at the Dwares JCC.  On May 4, about 50 people came to remember the Israeli soldiers who have fallen to ensure the creation and continued existence of the State of Israel. For Israel’s Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron) Elad Vilk (with the assistance of the Jewish Alliance’s shaliach, Matan Graff) crafted and led a moving ceremony filled with readings, prayers and songs to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives for Israel.

Israel’s Independence Day (Yom Ha’Atzmaut) was celebrated on May 6 with two programs conducted by Mijal Ben Dori of Mercado Sound. At the children’s program, Mijal taught dance steps to the participants so that they could dance to the music videos she presented.She also taught about Israel through its music. The adult program followed a break during which Accounting for Taste sold Israeli foods, along with hot dogs and hamburgers. Mijal discussed how the past several decades of Israeli music reflected the ethnic origins of Israelis and changed under the influences of political and cultural events in Israel and around the world. Links to the music videos Mijal presented may be found at https://www.facebook.com/notes/israel-the-soundtrack/israel-the-soundtrack-list-of-songs/111559888870445.

Larry Katz is Director of Jewish Learning for the Jewish Alliance.