04/22/2025
Jewish Cleveland’s Annual Yom Ha’atzmaut Event Set for May 14
Community-wide gathering for Israel’s 77th Independence Day
Yom Hazikaron commemoration set for April 29
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland will host its annual Yom Ha’atzmaut event – a free community celebration of Israel’s Independence Day – on Thursday, May 1 from 5:30 - 8:30 pm at Congregation Mishkan Or (26000 Shaker Blvd in Beachwood).
Attendees will enjoy a meaningful community gathering that honors Israel’s strength, spirit, and resilience. The event will feature:
- Live Israeli music from Nborder Band from Sderot, Israel
- Shuk (marketplace) with visiting Israeli vendors selling merchandise from Israel’s border communities
- Activities and crafts for all ages including face painting, flower crowns, and art projects
- Day school flag dances
- Hora dancing with a professional Israeli folk dancer
- Free swag & Israeli snacks
- Teen hangout with games & activities
- Food from Mendel's Kosher BBQ available for purchase
- 21+ lounge with Israeli craft workshops and guided Israeli wine tasting experience for purchase
- Meet and greet with a visiting Israeli delegation, including members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Education Corps
The program will begin with a Welcome Ceremony beginning promptly at 5:30 pm. Guests are encouraged to wear blue and white to show their Israeli pride.
The Federation will also host its annual Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) that honors the legacy and sacrifice of Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. This meaningful program will feature music and prayers to honor the lives of the ones we have lost. Guests are encouraged to follow Israeli tradition of wearing a white shirt. This ceremony will be held two days before Yom Ha’atzmaut on Tuesday, April 29 at 7 pm at Park Synagogue (27500 Shaker Blvd in Pepper Pike).
“Yom Ha’atzmaut is a joyful celebration of Israel’s independence and we are honored to bring our Cleveland community together to mark this special occasion, especially after the difficult 18 months our Jewish homeland has endured,” said Yom Ha’atzmaut co-chair Amanda Mayan. “Alongside the solemn remembrance of Yom Hazikaron, these events remind us of the deep connections we share with Israel and its people. We look forward to seeing everyone at these special events.”
Registration is required to attend both events. For more information or to register for Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Hazikaron, please visit www.jewishcleveland.org.
