"We are Not Okay" - Five for Fighting joins Israel's Memorial Day / Independence Day Ceremony at Los Angeles' Temple Valley Beth Shalom

Video-screen collage shows David ben Gurion declaring Israeli Independence on May 14, '48

Approximately 1600 people, including over 700 children, gathered at the (Los Angeles, San Fernando) Valley Beth Shalom to commemorate the sequential holidays, Memorial Day for Israel's Fallen Soldiers / Victims of Terror, and then Israel's 76th Independence Day. The event, led by Rabbis Nolan Lebovitz and Ed Feinstein, was predominantly Jewish-American with a complement of Israeli-American ex-pats. Said Rabbi Lebovitz in his opening remarks, "We need to support one another in our time of grief and pain during Yom ha Zikaron (Memorial Day). And hold one another in our appreciation and joy during Yom ha Atzmaut (Independence Day)!"

With a speech from Israeli Consul General Yisrael Bachar, the program demonstrated a strong sense of solidarity and responsibility within the community to defend Zionism during these challenging times. Songwriter John ("Five for Fighting") Ondrasik performed two of his numbers and recounted highlights of his April trip to Israel where he performed in Hostage Square.
UCLA Emeritus Professor Judea Pearl expressed his feelings of belonging to the community and the importance of the relationship between Israeli and American Jews. He also discussed the support Israeli academics have received from their colleagues in American universities during times of crisis, specifically in response to calls for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS). Jewish professors in American universities have made an internal decision to provide special support and "affirmative action" to their Israeli colleagues, helping them defy these calls for BDS.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Rabbi Feinstein and Professor Pearl discuss the turnout and significance of a community event celebrating Israel's Independence Day in the Valley. Approximately 1600 people attended, including over 700 children, making it an impressive gathering for the community. The event was predominantly American Jews and Israelis, with a shift towards more Israeli attendees. Rabbi Feinstein emphasized the sense of solidarity and responsibility among the community to support Israel during challenging times. This was demonstrated through various celebrations, political actions, and open expressions of support. Professor Judea Pearl expressed his feelings of belonging to the community and the importance of the symbiotic relationship between Israeli and American Jews. Despite the changing climate in the United States, he believed that both communities should continue to support each other and protect their shared interests. 

 

Professor Pearl discusses the support Israeli academics have received from their colleagues in American universities during times of crisis, specifically in response to calls for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS). He mentions that Jewish professors in American universities have made an internal decision to provide special support and "affirmative action" to their Israeli colleagues, as some universities have succumbed to pressure and made agreements with protesters. The professors aim to help their Israeli colleagues defy these calls for BDS.

Las Vegas Jewish community organizes memorial for the fallen heroes and martyrs of Zion

Israel Scouts lower flag to half-mast for memorial ceremony

Diverse parts of the Las Vegas Jewish and Zionist community (among them the Jewish Federation, the IAC, and Shevet Pisgat / Israeli Scouts) joined together to organize a Memorial Ceremony combining recognition of Yom ha Shoah and Yom ha Zikaron - paying respect to Zion's fallen victims, martyrs and heroes. The event took place on April 8th at the Adelson Educational Campus in Las Vegas around the time of the holidays.

Daniel Szafran recounts life from Auschwitz to
Palmach soldier

91-year old survivor of Auschwitz and Israel's War of Independence, Daniel Szafran, gave personal testimony of his family's murder by Nazis, his subsequent enslavement as a laborer, and his quest for sanctuary in Palestine, joining Israel's Palmach towards Jewish defense and sovereignty in our homeland.

The ceremony offered speeches from communal leaders, such as IAC Regional Director, Noa Peri-Jensch, who told JooTube, "This day is very important to us because the next generation, the children who take freedom for granted -

IAC Regional Dir., Noa Peri-Jensch at Adelson Campus

especially living here in America being so far away from the hardships of our brothers and sisters who live in Israel. I think it's important that we incorporate them into the process of honoring the fallen soldiers, paying respect to the bereaved families - as we are also as a community preparing for the celebration of Israel (independence) which is coming up in weeks. (Video of this, along with others, is viewable in the playlist above).

Educational and cultural event pleases Las Vegas Jewish
community benefactors, Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson 

Dr. Miriam Adelson plays a special role in advancing Zionist education in Nevada, along with Jewish advocate husband, Sheldon, Chairman of the Las Vegas Sands corporation. 

Mr. Adelson told JooTube, "This is a very special event. There's hardly a family in Israel that hasn't had a death (in connection with the state's survival) a relative or friend injured or dead. And it's an honor to come to attend to pay respects. (Educating our youth) is the purpose of this school (we foster)." 

Israel celebrates 63rd Independence Day

Remembrance Day sorrow gets replaced with Independence Day joy:

Nation's anniversary festivities kick off with traditional lighting of 12 beacons on Jerusalem's Mt. Herzl.

The State of Israel kicked off its 63rd anniversary celebrations on Monday evening with the traditional torch lighting ceremony on Jerusalem's Mount Herzl.


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Yom ha Zikaron, Atzma'ut Special: Video history of those who gave their lives to secure the freedom of Judaism's homeland, Israel

Yom HaZikaron - This video was made as a tribute to the 22,750 Jews who have fought and died to re-establish our independence and safety in our homeland, Israel. 

(Produced by Steven Burg and Eliezer Jones of ARTzeinu - West Coast NCSY).