The Israel at 70 celebration continued yesterday as nearly 2,000 people from across our diverse community came together at IsraelFest!, a first-of-its-kind festival here in Jewish Cleveland!

We look forward to seeing you at IsraelFest! on Sunday, May 6!

This year Israel turns 70.

A milestone anniversary calls for a party! To celebrate Israel’s 70th anniversary of independence this year, we’re hosting the first-ever IsraelFest!, a carnival for all ages on Sunday, May 6 from 12 - 5 pm at Mandel JCC’s Safran Park (26001 S. Woodland Road, Beachwood). Parking will be available at the Maltz Mseum, The Temple-Tifereth Israel, Mandel Jewish Day School, and Fuchs Mizrachi School.

Last night, more than 400 community members came together at Fuchs Mizrachi School to celebrate 114 years of community and 70 years of Israel's independence at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland's Annual Meeting.

Each year, our community comes together to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s birthday. This year, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland marks the 70th year of Israel’s independence through a series of community-wide arts, cultural, and educational events – known collectively as the “Israel at 70” series. One of those events is IsraelFest! on May 6 at the Mandel JCC, which will be a carnival-like atmosphere with Israeli games, Israeli food, a shuk (Israeli market), a bounce house, and more fun for all ages.

At our Yom Hazikaron (Israel's Memorial Day) commemoration, First Lieutenant Tair Hadar shared the story of her friend and neighbor, Oren Noa, who tragically lost his life defending the state of Israel. Read Oren's story now:

In 1961, John F. Kennedy took office as the 35th president of the United States, Yuri Gagarin became the first human being to fly into space, and Israel was of Bar Mitzvah age – 13. But also in 1961, the play, "Milk and Honey," debuted on Broadway, becoming the first musical ever set in Israel. "Milk and Honey" captures a community – the Jewish community – in Israel as it was, building their land from the ground up. This musical gives the audience a chance to see Israel for the first time through the main characters’ eyes.

Cleveland’s Yom Hazikaron, or Israel’s Memorial Day, honored Israel Defense Forces soldiers killed in the line of duty as well as civilian victims, during a solemn ceremony April 17 at the Mandel Jewish Community Center’s Stonehill Auditorium in Beachwood.

Cleveland loves Israel! Thank you to the 1,100+ community members who joined us for an unforgettable night of music at David Broza Live, a Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel's Independence Day) celebration.