Community set for commemorations, celebrations
WITH the end of Pesach now in sight, the community is gearing up to celebrate and commemorate “the Yoms”.
WITH the end of Pesach now in sight, the community is gearing up to celebrate and commemorate “the Yoms”.
The season begins on a deeply sombre note on April 23, with the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) hosting the annual Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) at the Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University Clayton campus.
Themed “Final Solution: 75 Years”, a reference to the infamous 1942 Wannsee conference at which the Shoah was planned, the event will feature a talk by Gilah Leder, who experienced the Holocaust in the Netherlands, a candle lighting by survivors, and a memorial prayer from Rabbi Philip Heilbrunn.
On April 30, a solemn Yom Hazikaron (Israel Remembrance Day) commemoration at the Robert Blackwood Hall will enable the community to collectively remember and honour people who have fallen in defence of Israel or as victims of terror.
This year’s commemoration will mark 50 years since the Six-Day War, 20 years since the Galilee helicopter disaster, and 30 years since the first Palestinian intifada, a Zionism Victoria (ZV) spokesperson noted. “Sadly, as terror attacks against Israelis and Jews around the world have escalated, this too will be a focus of the ceremony.”
Community members who have lost a relative or friend will share their stories and will light a memorial candle.
One of the candle lighters, Efri Bart, who lost two brothers in the Yom Kippur War, said, “I really miss being with my family in Israel over Yom Hazikaron. It’s a special time when we would get together to bring back the memories of those we lost, to support and hug each other … Sharing my story at the Yom Hazikaron ceremony will ensure that my brothers’ memory lives on no matter how many years pass.”
Following the success of last year’s inaugural Blue and White Night, this year’s event will be “bigger and better”, the ZV spokesperson stated.
“As the sun sets on Yom Hazikaron and we move into Yom Ha’atzmaut [Israel Independence Day], the Beth Weizmann Jewish Community Centre will transform into Little Israel with an array of festive ‘blue and white’ activities, music and dancing, story slamming, wine bar, Israeli street food flavours, and incredible performances by local and Israeli artists.”
Highlights of the night will include a live art session by artist Avi Paneth.
“It was a buzzing night filled with music and dancing,” recalled Limor Komornick, who joined in the celebrations in 2016. “We loved modern Israeli songs that made us feel we were in Israel. There were people from near and far, and everyone’s energy and excitement were tangible!”
The Yom Ha’atzmaut Family Festival is one of the most anticipated Jewish community events of the year, bringing together over 3000 parents, children and friends. The festival will feature fun, educational and interactive stalls, arts and crafts, workshops, a raffle, aleph-bet yoga, a petting zoo, Israeli-themed games and activities, live music, and Israeli food.
“I believe that it’s important to teach your kids about solidarity and supporting Israel,” said Zoe Goodhardt, who came to the festival with her children last year. “And what is a better way to do so than by celebrating Israel’s birthday as a community and as one family. Last year, my kids had an awesome time with so many excellent activities; we are surely going to come again.”
In addition, ZV is organising a transition ceremony from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut for children and families, and an Israeli birthday bash for young adults with details to be announced soon.
Various synagogues in Victoria will also celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut with a range of Israel-related activities including Israel-themed Shabbat dinners, kiddushim and guest speakers.
The 2017 Yom Hazikaron commemoration will take place on Sunday evening, April 30, 7.30pm, at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University, Clayton Campus. The transition ceremony is from 5.30-6.30pm at Beth Weizmann.
The Yom Ha’atzmaut Blue and White Night will take place Monday, May 1, from 7-10pm, at Beth Weizmann. Book tickets in advance at www.zionismvictoria.iwannaticket.com.au.
The Yom Ha’atzmaut Family Festival and Israel Street Festival will take place at Beth Weizmann Community Centre, May 2, 4-7pm. Tickets are $5 adults, free for children.
AJN STAFF
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