From sorrow to celebration
JEWISH Sydneysiders will celebrate Israel’s 64th birthday when the Zionist Council of New South Wales hosts two fun-filled events for the whole community, from babies to bubbas, next week.
JEWISH Sydneysiders will celebrate Israel’s 64th birthday when the Zionist Council of New South Wales hosts two fun-filled events for the whole community, from babies to bubbas, next week.
More than 2000 people are expected to enjoy food, rides, music, dancing, stalls and more at the Yom Ha’atzmaut festival and show on Wednesday night.
Zionist Council NSW project assistant Bianca Dubb said the Yom Ha’atzmaut event is an opportunity for the Sydney Jewish community to unite over a common love of Israel.
“It’s the one time of the year that everyone from the Jewish community, no matter what age or background, can come together to celebrate Israel and what it means to the Sydney Jewish community,” Dubb said.
The event will include performances from finalists in the Zionist Council of NSW’s The Beat talent competition, who will be judged by a celebrity panel.
“We’ve never held a talent show, so this is great because it appeals to all members of the community, offers entertainment and is an exciting showcase of the Jewish community’s talent,” Dubb explained.
The Zionist Council of NSW is also putting on an exciting Israel Unplugged party for young adults that will feature live music, a body artist, large-scale Mario Kart game facility, food and drinks.
The party’s silent disco, in which individuals listen and dance to music from their own headphones, will add another dimension of entertainment.
But before the community celebrates Israel’s 64th birthday on Wednesday, it will stop to commemorate the soldiers that lost their lives defending the Jewish homeland.
Israeli Ambassador to Australia Yuval Rotem will attend the Zionist Council of NSW’s Yom Hazikaron commemoration on Tuesday night at the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia in Woollahra.
Rotem will join movement leaders and community members at a memorial service and a “shira betzibur” – an Israeli-style commemoration that includes a sing-along accompanied by videos and stories.
The evening will also include personal tales of loss from Israelis that are currently living in Australia. Youth movement leaders will provide childcare facilities for parents who wish to participate in the memorial service without disruption.
Attendees are encouraged to wear white as a sign of respect, solidarity and peace.
CASSILEE KAHN
Israel Unplugged young adult party: Sunday, April 22, 8pm, Fox & Lion Hotel, The Entertainment Quarter.
Yom Ha’atzmaut Festival: Wednesday, April 25, 6-9pm, Moriah College.
The Yom Hazikaron service: Tuesday, April 24, 6pm, 111-113 Queen St, Woollahra. Enquiries: (02) 9360 6300.
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