Tucson plans full week of Israel-related events
Yom Ha’aztmaut, Israeli Independence Day, falls on April 23 this year. The occasion of Israel’s 67th birthday is cause for much joy and celebration in Jewish communities throughout the world.
In the Tucson Jewish community, the Weintraub Israel Center has been busily coordinating with various organizations around the city to create an entire week of Israel-related events. The Tucson JCC, 3800 E River Road, is being transformed into a sea of blue and white in preparation for the festivities. On April 19 the Nancy Spielberg documentary “Above and Beyond” will be shown at 7 pm at the Tucson J; co-sponsored by the Tucson International Jewish Film Festival. The movie tells the story of a group of North American World War II pilots who volunteered to fight for Israel in the 1948 War of Independence.
April 20 a program honoring Israel is set for 6 pm at Congregation Chofetz Chayim, 5150 E Fifth St. An Israeli Music Concert will be presented at 5 pm at Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E Fifth St. on April 21. The following day, April 22, the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona Council is presenting Misha Galperin, CEO and president of Jewish Agency International Development at 4:30 pm. The Tucson Hebrew Academy, 3888 E River Road, is hosting a birthday party for Israel on April 23 at 8 am and that evening there is a Yom Ha’aztmaut party at the home of the Weintraub Israel Center’s shlicha, Oshrat Barel.
On April 24, Temple Emanu-El will host an Israeli dinner at 5:30 pm at 225 N Country Club Road, followed by Shabbat Rocks services at 6:30 pm. Israel will also be honored at Congregation Chaverim’s services that night at 5901 E Second St. Shabbat services at 9 am on April 25 at both Congregation Bet Shalom, 3881 E River Road, and Congregation Anshei Israel will be Israel Solidarity services.
The week culminates with the Israel 67 Celebration held 4-7 pm at the Tucson JCC on April 26 with Israeli food, music and fun for the whole family. It is free and open to all. Todd Rockoff, President and CEO of the J says, “Whether you come for the food, the hand-crafted Judaica, the entertainment or the family fun, we know it will be a great time celebrating Israel!”
One final event being held on April 28 is a program featuring Dennis Prager, nationally syndicated radio host, columnist and author, held in cooperation with Christians United for Israel (CUFI) .
There will also be a Memorial observance for Yom Hazikaron, a day of remembrance for the men, women, boys and girls who have lost their lives due to war or terrorism. As part of WIC’s Partnership2gether, four teens from the Partnership region of Kiryat Malachi and Hof Ashkelon, areas hit hardest by rocket fire during last summer’s Operation Protective Edge, have collaborated with teens from Tucson Hebrew High to plan this moving ceremony, which takes place April 21at 6:30 pm at the Tucson JCC.
As the sun sets on the evening of Yom Hazikaron in Israel, the country turns to the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut. Twelve torches are lit on Mount Herzl symbolizing the 12 tribes of ancient Israel. These torches are lit by people who have committed to the betterment of Israel on a national or international level. Tucson is proud to emulate this respected tradition for the second year. “For me, the 12 Torches Ceremony is the most special part of the celebration,” says Oshrat. Tucson organizations, businesses and individuals who promote local connections to Israel will receive the honors to light the torches.
For specifics on any of the above programs, contact the Weintraub Israel Center at 520-577-9393 or email israelcenter@jfsa.org.
Peace, Love & Zionism in the Valley
The Valley’s Israel Center, led by director Shahar Edry, is hosting a joyous party for Israel’s 67th birthday with the theme of Peace, Love and Zionism. The Israel 67 Celebration is being held 11 am-3 pm on April 26 at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 11270 N Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale.
The festivities begin with an Israeli breakfast followed by an afternoon of music and celebration with activities for all ages.
“We’re hoping the Jewish community comes out in force to celebrate and show their support for Israel – now more than ever,” says Shahar. The event is free.
The Israel Center is also holding a Memorial Service for Yom Hazikaron on April 21 to honor the fallen soldiers of Israel and the victims of terrorists attack. The ceremony will take place at 7 pm at the Ina Levine Campus.
For more information, contact Shahar at 480-634-4900, ext. 1109 or shahare@vosjcc.org.
