Thousands flock to In One Voice

MORE than 7000 revellers converged on Elsternwick on Sunday for the In One Voice festival bringing all sections of the community together for a celebration of Jewish culture.

As well as rides and games for the children, stalls from communal organisations and kosher food on offer, Yiddish, Hebrew and English songs reverberated through the streets as an array of local artists and choirs from Jewish schools, youth movements and other community groups took to the stage.

According to organisers, this year’s festival was bigger and better than last year in terms of both attendance and activities on offer.

Festival organiser Judith Weizman said, “The festival exceeded all of our expectations in numbers, ease of organisation and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from volunteers, people in the community and also many people from other communities who really enjoyed experiencing Jewish culture.”

Sharing some of her personal highlights, Weizman added, “Bustling community groups, craft market, nosh tent and all the food demonstrations, including Alice Zaslavsky tasting all the cheesecakes in the competition and Josh Glanc’s comedic commentary on the bagel eating competition.”

Reflecting on what set this year’s In One Voice festival apart from others, Weizman said there was something for everyone. “We really catered for all people within the community and I was amazed at the diversity of the patrons. My 80-year-old grandmother and my four-year-old nephew both enjoyed themselves equally and stayed until closing. There were people of all ages and it was great to see members of all facets of the Jewish community in attendance.”

Weizman said judging by the success of Sunday’s event, we can expect the festival to keep growing and attracting even greater attendance from the entire community.

ZOE KRON

For more pictures and highlights, see this week’s AJN.

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