Community celebrates Israel’s 77th

PROVIDENCE – On April 30, about 130 community members celebrated Yom Ha’Atzmaut with a falafel dinner, and Israeli dance performance as well as activities for the kids at the Dwares Jewish Community Center on the East Side.

The celebration, organized by community shlichah Gaya, began with a community torch-lighting ceremony that symbolizes resilience, unity and continuity. Community members participated and Gaya lit the final flame, honoring the remaining hostages in Gaza.

The falafel dinner, a family style, do-it-yourself affair with each table retrieving a basket filled with falafel fixings, was catered by Bonapita of Brookline, Massachusetts.

Karmey Machol dance troupe from Karmiel, Israel, performed a half dozen dances including some with participation from the audience. The group had performed the previous evening during the Yom HaZikaron program.

All agreed it was a meaningful celebration for Israel’s 77th birthday.

FRAN OSTENDORF (fostendorf@jewishallianceri) is the editor of Jewish Rhode Island.