Jewish Tidewater gathered in full force for a Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration on Sunday, April 26 that was hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and presented by Avraham and Karen Ashkenazi. The event took place on the Sandler Family Campus.
Marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day, the afternoon brought together families and friends of all ages for an experience centered on gathering and connection.
Even with rainy weather throughout the day, the spirit of the community never wavered. The rain did not stop attendees from showing up in large numbers, embracing the opportunity to be together and celebrate their shared connection to Israel.
Children moved between Israel-themed activity stations while families enjoyed Israeli food and music. Community partners created hands-on experiences that brought Israel’s culture, history, and values to life. A highlight of the day was the ESEK Shuk, where Israeli small businesses showcased handcrafted goods and art, offering attendees a way to support Israeli entrepreneurs and connect to their stories.
Megan Zuckerman, UJFT’s Jewish Community Relations Council’s Israel chair, says about the impact of the marketplace, “My daughter, Chloe, and I loved every minute spent with Ofek and learning how he created ESEK to help as many artists, Nova festival survivors, and IDF reservists as possible, who were understandably struggling after the horror they experienced on October 7th and its aftermath. Out of great tragedy, Ofek and ESEK have given light, hope, and beauty not only to the artisans but also to us, the customers, and the greater community who got to view, purchase, and now own a piece of these Israelis’ stories and resulting artistry.”
Held just after Yom HaZikaron, the gathering reflected the traditional transition from remembrance to joy that defines Yom Ha’Atzmaut, bringing the community together in resilience and pride.
“My family had such an incredible time at Israel Fest!” says Leigh Casson. “There was something meaningful and fun for every age. Seeing my boys so engaged and excited was really special. My kids loved all of the activities, and I enjoyed exploring the Israeli small businesses—there was so much creativity and heart in everything they offered. More than anything, seeing our community show up with such strong, visible support for Israel was incredible. Can’t wait for next year!”
As the day ended, a lasting impression was left of what it means to show up for one another—with pride, purpose, and heart. Through shared experiences, connections, and unwavering support for Israel, the community was reminded that even in challenging times, coming together remains a powerful source of strength and hope.
For more information on upcoming Israel-related programs, visit JewishVA.org or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org. Save the date for next year’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut gathering on Sunday, May 16, 2027.
