In honor of Israel’s 75th birthday, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia hosted a number of celebrations. In April and May, thousands within the community commemorated the Jewish homeland’s milestone by volunteering, welcoming in Shabbat, tasting Israeli foods, witnessing the Israeli flag being raised and traveling to the Jewish homeland.
Community Mitzvah Day
On April 23, over 1,500 people participated in Community Mitzvah Day, featuring more than 25 hands-on volunteer activities throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.
Shabbat Gatherings
On April 28 and April 29, the Jewish Greater Philadelphia community celebrated with over 80 public and private Shabbat experiences.
Israeli Flag Raising
On May 11, the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, raised the Israeli flag at City Hall Plaza for 24 hours. Featured guests included: Jason Holtzman, JCRC Director, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, Philadelphia City Representative Sheila Hess, spokesperson for the Consulate General of Israel in New York Itay Milner, parents of the late IDF soldier and local fallen hero Michael Levin, Harriet and Mark Levin, and Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy students Jackie Long and Liana Matez.
A Taste of Israel Festival
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On Sunday, May 7, over 2,000 people attended A Taste of Israel Festival, complete with cooking demonstrations from award-winning chef Michael Solomonov, performances by renowned a cappella group Six13 and a host of other food vendors, craft vendors and activity booths.
Israel 75 Mission
From May 14-21, over 130 community members of the Greater Philadelphia community are in Israel on an exhilarating and meaningful eight-day mission, discovering the Jewish homeland through one of four customized tracks: adventure; food, wine and culture; tech and business; people, places and politics.
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Interested in helping the Jewish Federation uplift and support communities in Greater Philadelphia, in Israel and around the world? Give today at israel75.jewishphilly.org/donate/