As Lydia Yomtovian Frankel watched thousands of athletes march into Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem sporting their country’s colors, listened to several Israeli artists perform on stage and was dazzled by the fireworks and pyrotechnics that accompanied the opening of the Maccabiah Games on July 1, she felt a variety of emotions coursing through her.

May is filled with opportunities to learn, celebrate, and connect – from insightful briefings on the U.S.-Israel relationship to family-friendly holiday fun and inspiring conversations with community leaders. Join us throughout the month for meaningful gatherings that highlight the strength, creativity, and impact of Jewish Cleveland.

Attendees donned blue-and-white clothing, wore beaded necklaces, sported headbands with a pair of Israeli flags waving from the top and had their cheeks dabbled with face paint as they celebrated Israel’s 78th Independence Day on April 22 at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Young Leadership Division, in partnership with the Israeli American Council, hosted its third annual Mimouna Celebration on April 12 at the Federation’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Building in Beachwood.

Some who took to the podium shared a personal anecdote, while others recited poetry. A few sang somber, reflective Israeli songs.

Cleveland's community shlicha (Israeli emissary), Ella, shared the following reflection at our Yom Hazikaron commemoration on April 20, 2026.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland will host its annual Yom Ha’atzmaut event in celebration of Israel’s 78th Independence Day from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 22 at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation at 27501 Fairmount Blvd. in Pepper Pike.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland will host its annual Yom Ha’atzmaut event – a free community celebration of Israel’s Independence Day – on Wednesday, April 22 from 5:30 - 8:30 pm at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation (27501 Fairmount Blvd in Pepper Pike).

A few days ago, when a siren sounded in Ofakim, Daniel, a child supported by the Youth Futures program, ran with his family to the safe room. Like many other children, he was frightened. But right after the door closed, the first thing he did was pick up the phone and call his Youth Futures mentor, who supports him.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland will host a Yom Hazikaron ceremony at 7 p.m. April 20 at Congregation Shaarey Tikvah at 26811 Fairmount Blvd. in Beachwood, bringing together community members to honor fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terrorism.