THE LARGEST JEWISH FESTIVAL IN NORTH AMERICA WILL GATHER 15,000 TO CELEBRATE ISRAEL AND 50 YEARS TO THE REUNIFICATION OF JERUSALEM ON MAY 7 IN LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles, More than 15,000 people are expected to gather at the Celebrate Israel Festival, (www.celebrateisraelfestival.org/la) the largest annual Jewish happening in North America, on Sunday, May 7 to celebrate the State of Israel’s 69th Independence from 11a.m. – 6p.m., with a packed lineup of major musicians, unique cultural attractions and creative interactive activities.
The day will start with a 1-mile “Celebrate Israel Walk” with StandWithUS to show solidarity and support for the State of Israel, followed by big-name performances including headliner Dudu Aharon, and pavilions with hands-on activities for all ages around this year’s festival theme “Jerusalem: 50 Years of Reunification” throughout the Park. Festival goers will have the opportunity to enjoy some of Jerusalem’s famous landmarks; a walk through Shuk Machane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s famous open market; our very own 28-ft tall Tower of David featuring a photography exhibit by Noam Chen of Jerusalem’s past and present; the Kotel Tunnel experience where you can travel in time to the Old City and learn about the History of the holiest city and while strolling through the sites, stop by the Kotel and put a note that will be taken to Jerusalem this Summer.
The event’s significant growth over recent years reflects the Israeli-American community’s increasing public activism and cohesion. The Los Angeles chapter of the Israeli-American Council (IAC), the preeminent Israeli-American organization nationwide, is organizing Celebrate Israel, which will take place at the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center, L.A., from 11 a.m. through 6 p.m.
The festivities will start at 10:00a.m. with the StandWithUs “Salute to Israel Walk in Blue & White” to show the community’s solidarity with Israel. Israeli musical superstars Dudu Aharon and other musical guests from Israel will perform throughout the day. One of the highlights will be the Tiger Squadron formation flyover at 2:15 p.m. kicking off the official ceremony with local dignitaries. The 20 somethings will hang out at the coolest spot at the park – The IAC Lead Bar with music, happy hours and so much more with a great view of center stage.
Kids and families can enjoy a wide range of free attractions, hands-on crafts,
around the historic landmark include mosaic pottery work and ancient coins’ jewelry making, copper work, Judaica crafts and more. The kids stage will be where the party is at. Naama Super Al and Sportuly will perform throughout the day with a special Yom Haazmaut performance in Hebrew and English. Don’t forget to stop by the Jerusalem Biblical zoo for camel rides, pony rides and our giant petting zoo.
“We were incredibly lucky to grow up in a place like Israel – surrounded by our history, our heritage and a rich and diverse culture. Now that we live here, we want our fellow Americans who have embraced us so warmly to share in the experience of all the beauty that is the modern day miracle called Israel. This one-day festival is the closest you can come to truly being there,” said Naty Saidoff, the visionary and founder of the original Celebrate Israel festival.
The festival’s theme “Jerusalem: 50 Years of Reunification” will give festival goers the opportunity to learn, experience and see the diverse tapestry of the Jerusalem ethnicities by traveling through the various pavilions throughout the festival. Some of this year’s highlights include the festival’s Mega Challah Bake where we invite the entire community to join and help us bless our entire community and perhaps enter the Guinness World Book Record.
Keeping with the theme of the festival, this year’s Instagram completion partnered with @Insta_global is calling all photographers and Jerusalem fans to post their favorite Jerusalem Moment and hashtag #CelebrateIsraelFestival. The international competition puts the lens on Jerusalem’s many cultures and colors. Photos can explore the arciteutre of Jerusalem, faith, food and the hipster side of Jerusalem. The 100 top selected photos will be exhibited at the festival and featured in local Israeli newspaper articles. For more information visit www.celebrateisraelfestival.org/la/instagram
Celebrate Israel will offer a colorful open-air World Market featuring local artists selling clothing, jewelry, Judaica, paintings, pottery, sculptures, home goods and gifts. Throughout the festival, participants will be able to sample a taste of popular Israeli cuisine, with a Glatt-kosher menu including barbeque, hummus, salads, falafel, Jerusalem baked goods, watermelon and more.
Tickets are available online now for the L.A. event. Tickets are $10 when purchased online, or $15 after April 21st and $20 at the door. For more information visit: www.celebrateisraelfestival.org/la
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