In celebration of Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel's 73rd Independence Day, our community enjoyed both a family-friendly in-"car"-nival drive-in experience and a virtual event!

As the state of Israel rang in its 73rd anniversary, hundreds of people across Cleveland showed their patriotism during the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Yom Ha’atzmaut festival April 15.

Efi Mazor, the people-to-people coordinator at Partnership 2Gether Beit Shean-Valley of Springs-Cleveland and a former solider of the Israel Defense Forces, recalled an IDF doctor’s bravery and selflessness during the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s annual Yom Hazikaron commemoration April 13.

Karen Tucker’s lifelong love of Israel has roots in her youth. At 13 years old, she vividly remembers watching the news coverage of Israel, then a fledgling nation, fight for its survival in the Six Day War. As a college student, she attended rallies, spoke out in support of Israel, and donated funds to help the country defend itself during the Yom Kippur War.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland commemorated Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day in a very moving ceremony.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland will ring in the state of Israel’s 73rd anniversary with a festival boasting in-person and virtual options April 15.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Yom Hazikaron commemoration will include the personal story of a fallen Israeli soldier told by a fellow soldier, Efi Mazor of Beit Shean, from 7 to 7:45 p.m. April 13.

Check out our upcoming events, including two ways to celebrate Israel's Independence Day, unique commemorations for Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron for Jewish Clevelanders in their 20s and 30s, and our 117th annual meeting.

As a child, I would look forward to Memorial Day – Yom Hazikaron, but not like waiting for a birthday or a holiday. It’s another feeling like a heavy weight sitting on your heart. It's like a sense of anticipation when you know something bad's going to happen.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland will host its annual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration – a festival celebrating Israel’s 73rd Independence Day – on Thursday, April 15 from 5:30 – 6:45 pm. It is free and open to the community.