With the Hamas massacre of Oct. 7, 2023, deeply etched in memory and global antisemitism on the rise, the celebration of Israel Independence Day takes on profound significance, serving as a reminder of resilience, history and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people in the face of adversity.
“We want to bring the community together to have a safe and special place to show and celebrate their love and support for Israel,” said Marcie Blackman, director of arts and adult programming at the Bender JCC in Rockville.
The Bender JCC is hosting an Israel at 77 day on May 4. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the JCC Association of North America are among 16 partners who are making the event possible.
About 1,500 people are expected to attend the festival, which will be focused on Israeli culture.
There will be a shuk, which means “market” in Hebrew. Vendors will be selling food, art and jewelry. “There’s nothing more Israeli than a crowded shuk,” said Maytal Regev, the Bender JCC’s director of rentals and strategic partnerships.
Participants can enjoy Israeli dancing, kosher food and cooking demonstrations. The kids will enjoy face painting. There will be many giveaways.
Grace, a DJ, will be playing Israeli music. “She was here last year and it was amazing,” Blackman said.
Israeli scouts and Israeli shlichim (emissaries) will join the festivities as will special guest Monique Ashton, the mayor of Rockville.
“We’re excited. It will be close to what the holiday looks like in Israel, where it is a huge happening,” Regev said.
The day is an escape from sobering reality. “With the rise of antisemitism, folks can often feel like there’s no place where they can openly express their support for Israel,” said
Lauren Dworkin, director of community engagement and social action at the JCC. “We wanted this one day to be that place.”
Yom Ha’Atzmaut is Israel’s national day, commemorating the Israeli Declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948.
David Ben-Gurion, the head of the Jewish Agency, proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel. U.S. President Harry S. Truman recognized the new nation on the same day.
Israel’s Independence Day is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Iyar, which is the Hebrew date of the formal establishment of the State of Israel.
This year, Yom Ha’Atzmaut falls on the evening of April 30 through May 1.
The day before Yom Ha’Atzmaut is Yom Ha’Zikaron, Memorial Day, which is dedicated to the memory of all those who have died in defense of the State of Israel since 1948 and the prestate days.
Yom HaShoah, Holocaust remembrance day precedes Yom Ha’Zikaron. The three Israel national holidays, including Yom Ha’Atzmaut, are known as the Yoms.
In Israel, Jewish people celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut with fireworks, barbecues, picnics and public concerts. The Israeli Air Force arranges a special air show and flyover that passes over much of the country.
In Northern Virginia, the Pozez Jewish Community Center will celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut on May 1. Comedian Joel Chasnoff will entertain with his humorous take on life in Israel and being Jewish in today’s world.
He will sign copies of his latest book, “Israel 201.”
B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville will hold a Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration on May 1. Tikvat Israel Congregation is a co-sponsor of the event.
The synagogue will offer an opportunity to celebrate Israel’s 77th anniversary, connect with others, and share a fun, meaningful evening with the whole community.
Attendees will celebrate Israel with the music of Micha Biton, a pioneer in the ethnic-rock genre of Israeli music. They will also be a part of a collaborative art project to create a mural of hope and unity. Participants will enjoy lively Israeli dancing and delicious Israeli foods.
Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, is celebrated in synagogues with a variety of observances and activities.
Temple Beth Ami in Rockville will be observing Israel Independence Day during services and at their religious schools.
“We consider ourselves a Zionist congregation, one that supports Israel,” Senior Rabbi Gary Pokras said. “Our very identity is tied up with the Land of Israel. From the standpoint of our theology and our history, this has been our home for thousands and thousands of years.”
Pokras added: “We are so fortunate and so blessed that we live in a time where we have sovereignty in our sacred homeland. That’s worth celebrating.”
Ellen Braunstein is a freelance writer.
