Israel Independence Day fete is April 25

The Tampa Jewish Community Center will host its annual Israel Independence Day Community Celebration on Sunday, April 25 from noon-4 p.m. at the newly renamed Maureen and Douglas Cohn Jewish Community Campus. The event is free and open to the entire community.

There will be a $5 entry fee to park at the event, and food and drink tickets will be available for purchase.

“We welcome the entire community to celebrate Israel’s 62nd birthday with music, dance, food, art, culture and shopping. We look forward to this event and many future events on the Maureen and Douglas Cohn Jewish Community Campus and Israel Independence Day is the perfect way to celebrate Israel and the Cohns,” said JCC Director Alissa Fischel.

The celebration will feature live entertainment by the Mike Eisenstadt Band, Israeli dancing, Israeli food, an Israeli marketplace, community organization bazaar, carnival treats and birthday cake.

Especially for children, there will be a “kids’ kibbutz” including arts and crafts, a petting zoo, tie-dye activities, face painting, a balloon artist, and bounce houses; plus a Kadima tournament.

A highlight of the day will be the dedication of the Maureen and Douglas Cohn Jewish Community Campus. The community can honor the Cohns by becoming a tribute sponsor for $180 or more.

Sponsorship includes participation in the ribbon cutting ceremony and mention in the Independence Day Celebration program.

“Yom Ha’atzmaut is a celebration of when Israel became a country, and of all of Israel’s accomplishments,” said Cathy Friedman, Israel Independence Day chair.

“We should feel proud of what has been accomplished in 62 years, and we look forward to celebrating more birthdays for Israel,” she said.

Volunteers are needed and community service hours are available for teen-agers (See story, Page 5)

Volunteer sign-up is available online at www.jewishtampa.com or by calling Michele Carr at (813) 264-9000.