Thousands to celebrate Israel@70 at free community event in Mizner Park on April 18
On April 18, amid a sea of blue and white flags, banners, and attire, thousands of local residents of all ages will once again come together in solidarity and spirit for Israel at the Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton. The full vibrant diversity of Jewish South Palm Beach County will be on hand to celebrate Israel’s 70th Birthday at this year’s Israel Fest.
Free of charge, the community-wide festivities will start at 6 p.m. with children’s activities and a fair to showcase an array of Jewish community resources. Kosher food and drinks will be available for purchase, including falafel, chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers from Pita and Go, ice cream from the Good Humor truck, and cinnamon buns and coffee from Cinnaholic Boca.
The stage program, including a concert by the international Jewish Fusion band, The Shuk, will start at 7:15 p.m. with a Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day) ceremony before the Yom HaAtzmaut
(Israel Independence
Day) festivities start at sundown.
“We are thrilled to invite the whole community to come together for this extraordinary 70th anniversary celebration,” said Judi Schuman, who is serving as Honorary Chair of the event with her husband, Allan.
“Bring your friends, your neighbors, your colleagues to be part of the exceptional experience of fun, music, delicious food and profound love of the Jewish homeland.”
“For a few hours, we’ll be transported to the sights, sounds and tastes of Israel,” said Debra Halperin, who is chairing Israel
Fest with her husband, Larry. “Thousands from all across our community who support our homeland have gathered for our Federation’s powerful Israel celebrations in previous years, and this 70th anniversary celebration promises the same. South Palm Beach County will once again demonstrate that we are united in recognizing the vital importance of the ties between Israel and the United States, and in celebrating how much Israel has achieved in such a short period of time.”
Hands-on, Israelthemed activities for the whole family will start at 6 p.m. in the PJ Library Fun Zone. “PJ Library looks forward to once again bringing families from across our Jewish community for great fun and learning,” said Joanna Drowos, who co-chairs PJ Library in South Palm Beach County.
“They’ll enjoy visiting a Kibbutz Petting Zoo, climbing the Masada
Rock Wall, Building the “Kotel” with bricks and Velcro; and crafts including making Israeli flags. Of course, families will be able to sign up for PJ Library’s high quality free monthly books and music.”
“Israel Fest is a time to remember and rejoice in the miracle of this pioneering country,” said Matthew C. Levin, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. “Don’t miss this opportunity to join as a community to observe this incredible moment together.”
Israel Fest is presented by the Federation, with its Judi & Allan Schuman Center for Israel Engagement and Deborah & Larry D. Silver Center for Jewish Engagement.
The event will take place rain or shine under the big amphitheater tent. Limited seating will be available with blankets suggested for the lawn. Complimentary selfparking will be available, with early arrival recommended.
‘We are thrilled to invite the whole community to come together for this extraordinary 70th anniversary celebration.’ Judi Schuman, honorary chair