Meals, music, enjoyable mark Israel’s independence | Information, Sports activities, Jobs

Staff photograph / Bob Coupland
Liron Daniel, Israel engagement/program coordinator for the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, and Michael Shener of Youngstown, spend time celebrating with others Sunday on the 78th annual Israel Independence Day on the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown. More than 100 individuals attended.

YOUNGSTOWN — Those coming into the Jewish Community Center on Sunday afternoon knew it was a time for celebrating as ornamental indicators, hats and flags could possibly be seen to notice the 78th anniversary of Israel’s independence.

Independence Day was marked with meals, music, shows and video games. Two giant rooms on the middle had been used for the celebration.

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and the Zionist Organization of America hosted the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration.

Lisa Long, CEO of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, stated she hoped the day helped present details about Israel to the general public.

“There is so much misinformation and negativity in the media about Israel right now. It is wonderful to be able to tell and show the truth and beauty of Israel. We have many families and our children volunteering today. This helps people to be more proud of their Jewish connection to Israel,” Long stated.

She stated the occasion was open to anybody who wished to rejoice and be taught extra about Israel.

Liron Daniel, occasion organizer and Israel engagement/program coordinator for YAJF, stated the celebration included a chef, Yuval Rov, who ready quite a lot of Israeli meals and desserts for the general public to pattern, a photograph sales space, and 17 stations with totally different video games and actions associated to cities and websites in Israel.

“We created a journey through Israel with the different stations and activities. We want people to celebrate Israel’s independence and enjoy themselves,” Daniel stated.

The station actions included a Sea of Galilee ring toss, Israeli Air Force problem, Dead Sea Golf Challenge and Galilee leap. Those who took half in actions at every station acquired passport stickers.

Daniel stated in May 1948, the United Nations declared Israel the state for the Jews after World War II. She stated she desires everybody to expertise Israeli tradition and be taught extra about Israel by way of the video games, meals and actions.

Several individuals on the occasion had particular blue and white flags hooked up to their heads referred to as boppers. There additionally had been particular hats with the Israeli flag on them.

The flags included the Star of David.

Melissa Bateman, director of neighborhood engagement for YAJF, stated the Israeli celebration is much like when the United States celebrates the Fourth of July.

“This event helps the children to gain a sense of identity and understand their Jewish roots,” Bateman stated.

Liberty residents Claudia Moss, Sally Blau and Alice Franklin stated they had been excited concerning the celebration and all there was to do.

“The food is great and you can spend time with others enjoying the music,” Franklin stated.

The Jewish Community Relations Council represents the Jewish communities of Mahoning and Trumbull Counties in Ohio and Mercer and Lawrence Counties in Pennsylvania to safeguard the rights of Jews right here, in Israel, and all over the world.