Sunday, April 30, 1-4 pm, Sandler Family Campus
On May 14, 1948, Jewish communities in Tidewater and around the world rea-lized their dream of securing a state that ensures Jewish safety and security. In the 75 years since then, Israel has become a beacon of innovation, democracy, and hope.
When Tidewater marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel with Yom Ha’Atzmaut, among the many participants will be the Jewish Community Relations Council. The JCRC is especially excited to share this year’s community festival with the greater Tidewater community.
More than 2,000 Virginians are expected to attend Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day celebration. Authentic Israeli food, the Shuk – showcasing art, jewelry, and crafts – along with games, art, and more, will provide a taste of Israel right here in Tidewater.
The Truman Library Institute’s traveling exhibition, Harry S. Truman and the Birth of Israel, unique to this year’s festivities, will be on display. The exhibit makes it possible to step inside Truman’s recognition of the State of Israel and the details surrounding this momentous piece of history.
At the Festival, the community’s historical timeline, created in partnership with the Jewish Museum & Cultural Center in Portsmouth, Ohef Sholom Temple, and other mem-bers of Jewish Tidewater, will explore the connection between Israel and the Tidewater Jewish community. The timeline highlights Tidewater’s parallel Jewish history with that of Israel, 1873 to 2023. Community members are all invited to contribute to the timeline and add notes about personal and family histories.
For more information on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, visit JewishVA.org/arts-ideas/israel-fest.
To learn more about the Jewish Community Relations Council, contact Joel Bond at jbond@ujft.org.
For more information about future Israel Today events, visit JewishVA.org/Israel-Today, or contact Joel Bond, JCRC director, at JBond@UJFT.org.
–Joel Bond