Celebrate Israel's 75th birthday with dance, music and prayer at these North Jersey events
Israel Independence Day, known in Hebrew as Yom Ha’atzmaut, honors the establishment of the Jewish State in 1948. On midnight of May 14 of that year, the country's founders read aloud and signed the country's Declaration of Independence.
In Jewish communities around the world, the holiday is observed based on the date on the Hebrew calendar of that declaration − the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar − which this year falls on the eve of April 25 and April 26. The date has taken on added significance this time around, as it marks 75 years since Israel's birth.
Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, is always observed on the preceding day. There is a marked symbolism of tying the two days together: Israelis owe their state to those who sacrificed their lives for it.
In the coming week, Israeli supporters around New Jersey and the globe will raise a glass to the Jewish State in a variety of ways. Here's a sampling of events in our area:
Israel Independence Day celebrations in North Jersey
April 25 at 6:15 p.m. in Teaneck
Yom Haatzmaut Experience at the Rodda Center and Votee Park Sportsplex: The event will feature a Hebrew musical performance by singer Uri Davidi, reflections from friends and family of fallen soldiers, a prayer service led by Cantor Netanel Hershtik and a drone show that will light up the sky over Votee Park with imagery celebrating Israel’s 75 years along with a video recounting the country's unique story.
April 26 at 11 a.m. in Jersey City
A flag raising will be held at City Hall in honor of Israel's 75 years of independence, sponsored by Jersey City, the Israeli American Council, the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey and the Anti-Defamation League. City Hall is at 280 Grove St. in Jersey City.
April 26, 12:30 p.m. in Hackensack
Israel's Day of Remembrance and Independence Day: Bergen County officials will commemorate the day along with guest Israel Nitzan, Israel's deputy consul general in New York. The event, which will take place at the County Administration building at One Bergen County Plaza, is sponsored by the county along with the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey.
April 27 at 7 p.m. in Teaneck
Teaneck Cinemas will host a screening of "Exodus 91: The Untold Story of Operation Solomon." The recently released docudrama follows Israeli diplomat Asher Naim on a seemingly insurmountable mission to bring 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel. A Talk Back after the show will feature a discussion with Naim's sons, Ari and Gideon, who live in the area. Teaneck Cinemas is at 503 Cedar Lane.
April 30 at 11 a.m. in Clifton
Israeli flag-raising ceremony at Clifton City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave. The flag will be raised by Rabbi Mordechai Becher, a former member of the Israel Defense Forces, professor at Manhattan's Yeshiva University and author of "Gateway to Judaism." The event which will also feature Hebrew songs, prayers for Israel and speakers.
April 30 at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in West Nyack, New York
Rockland Celebrates Israel at 75. The Rockland Jewish Community campus in West Nyack will feature live musical performances, Israeli dance, a petting zoo, pita-making and more. The campus is at 450 West Nyack Road.
April 30, 7 to 11 p.m. in Scotch Plains
A Gala Concert in Honor of Israel at 75 by the New Jersey Cantors Concert Ensemble and the Congregation Beth Israel Choir will feature Jewish and Israeli music at Congregation Beth Israel in Scotch Plains. The family-friendly concert is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served afterward. Congregation Beth Israel is at 1920 Cliffwood St.
Sunday, May 21 at 4 p.m. in Englewood
Israel At 75 Celebration at Bergen Performing Arts Center. The "entertainment extravaganza" will include Israeli singer Rami Kleinstein, Israeli American dance ensemble Keshet Chaim and mentalist Nevo Abutbul.
June 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Manhattan
Celebrate Israel Parade. Organizers call the annual march up Fifth Avenue the world's largest expression of solidarity with the Jewish State. Tens of thousands of people participate annually in a day that features parade floats, marching bands and Israeli musical performers.
Sept. 10, 10:00 a.m. in East Rutherford
A Birthday Party for Israel at the American Dream mall. The mall will host a mini-shuk, or market, with food and crafts from Israel, cupcakes, performers and balloons to celebrate the country's founding.
Deena Yellin covers religion for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to her work covering how the spiritual intersects with our daily lives, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: yellin@northjersey.comTwitter: @deenayellin
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Israel 75th Independence Day events and festivals in North Jersey
