Sing Hatikvah with the world
SYDNEYSIDERS will be given the opportunity to sing the Hatikvah in one voice with Israel this Yom Ha’atzmaut.
SYDNEYSIDERS will be given the opportunity to sing the Hatikvah in one voice with Israel this Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Internet technology will bring together Israelis and Jews from around the world to belt out the Israeli national anthem in unison as part of the LiveHatikvah event on May 10.
Among those participating in LiveHatikvah will be students from four of Sydney’s Jewish schools and Academy BJE, who will gather for a giant Israel-themed student assembly.
They are expected to be joined from 4pm by hundreds of people at a bumper Yom Ha’atzmaut party at Royal Randwick, with rides, Israeli food, stalls, dancing and a photo exhibition. The LiveHatikvah event will be streamed at 5.45pm.
Richard Balkin, president of the Zionist Council of NSW, said singing the Hatikvah represents a vital part of the fulfilment of the Zionist dream.
“It is a moment we dedicate to the achievements of a democratic Jewish state, when we reconnect to our Jewish history and Jewish heroism and we are proud of Israel’s contribution to the world in science, environment, technology and humanity,” he said. “At a time when Israel appears to be once again facing an onslaught from so many different directions, and at a time of such uncertainty across the Middle East, it is especially apt to remember the hope that made the dream of a Jewish homeland in the land of Israel the reality that it is today.”
Those hoping to party on after the Randwick carnival will be looking to Kings Cross.
Hagshama director Natalie Green said she is hoping this year’s “street party”, to be held within a nightclub, will be the biggest Jewish young adult party of the year.
“We’re hoping to attract 700 people because we are organising the event with 15 organisations and I think Israel is a common ground of everyone, no matter how religious you are,” Green said. “We’re having graffiti, buskers, street performers, street art from Tel Aviv, live talents and a lot more. It’s going to be a great event.”
But celebrating Israel’s existence does not come cheap. In the days leading up to Israel’s birthday, the community will mourn Israeli soldiers and victims of terrorism.
On Sunday, May 8, from 6pm at the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia’s headquarters in Woollahra, director of cultural affairs at the Embassy of Israel, Einat Weiss, will lead a sing-along and commemoration for Yom Hazikaron.
Enquiries: Aviva Kogus (02) 9360 6300.
JOSHUA LEVI
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