Jewish Press of Tampa

Big celebration planned for Israel Independence Day


The Re-Vital Israeli dance troupe will perform.

The Re-Vital Israeli dance troupe will perform.

Much like Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, people in Israel and in Jewish communities around the world mark Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, with fireworks, barbecues, and concerts.

The Tampa JCCs and Federation will join in the fun, hosting a jam-packed day dubbed “Celebrating Israel at 75” on Sunday, April 30 at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa. The event, to he held both indoors and outdoors, begins at noon and runs into the evening, culminating with the performance of an Israeli dance troupe.

“The Tampa JCCs & Federation and the Israel Independence Day committee are expecting a great turnout for this highly anticipated 75th year birthday,” said Brandy Gold, the Federation’s arts and culture director.

Israel declared its statehood on May 14, 1948, the 5th of Iyar on the Jewish calendar. This year the Jewish calendar date corresponds to April 26.

Tampa’s festivities will feature “many authentic Israeli activities and entertainment for all to enjoy,” said Mazi Goldenberg, chair of the Israel Independence Day committee.

 

 

Parking passes ($5 per vehicle, beginning at 3 p.m.) may be purchased at www.JewishTampa.com/IID to ensure a parking space at the JCC. Otherwise, cash can be paid at the entrance if spaces are available. Street parking is also available.

The day’s activities will include:

Digging deep: At noon, author Andrew Lawler will discuss his book, “Under Jerusalem: The Buried History of the World’s Most Contested City.” Lawler’s book takes the reader into the tombs, tunnels, and trenches of the Holy City, revealing how a 150-year quest by adventurers, archaeologists and religious zealots unearthed the city’s vast and still vital history. The event will include an Israeli-themed luncheon.

Following Lawler’s presentation, a Q&A will be moderated by local hosts of “The Third Opinion” podcast, Laureen Jaffe and Mike Deeson.

Evan Stone filming Drew Stone in Israel for the movie, “The Jews and the Blues.”

Evan Stone filming Drew Stone in Israel for the movie, “The Jews and the Blues.”

Tickets are $18 and books will be available for sale and signing. Registration is required at www.JewishTampa.com/IID

Double feature: The community is invited to a free showing of two current award-winning films:

• 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., “Karaoke,” an award-winning Israeli film. It is a comedy about a married, middle-class suburban couple in their 60s who are drawn to their new neighbor, a charismatic bachelor who has karaoke evenings at his apartment. The film has an all-star Israeli cast.

• 4-5:30 p.m., “The Jews and the Blues,” called the hippest documentary of the year. Written and directed by Drew Stone and Evan B. Stone, this is a 67-minute musical journey that along the way becomes something much more. Drew Stone is a documentary filmmaker, musician and talk show host born and raised in New York City. The audience will follow along as he travels to Israel and discovers how the blues tie into a mix of cultures. Arab, Ethiopian, Moroccan, all Jewish, all Israeli, unite through music.

Scene from the movie, “Karaoke.”

Scene from the movie, “Karaoke.”

Prior to the movie, the Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival Starr Award will be presented to long-time committee co-chairs, Sara Golding Scher and Loni Shelef. Ceremonies will include rolling out the red carpet, complimentary candy for the audience and a champagne toast. The Starr award is named after Jesse Starr z’l, a film, a movie aficionado who was one of the founders of the Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival.

The film festival is a joint project of the Tampa JCCs and Federation and the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Party time: At 4 p.m., a community-wide party begins as the Bryan Glazer Family JCC becomes a mega celebration venue proudly displaying all things, Israel.

Partygoers will enjoy authentic Israeli delectables including falafel, schwarma, Israeli salad and all of the traditional add-ons. Lemonada will be served from an ice luge, and sweets will be plentiful. As guests enjoy the many choices of food, Israeli music will be piped throughout the reception area.

Andrew Lawler, author of “Under Jerusalem: The Buried History of the World’s Most Contested City” climbing into a cistern in Israel while researching his book.

Andrew Lawler, author of “Under Jerusalem: The Buried History of the World’s Most Contested City” climbing into a cistern in Israel while researching his book.

A shuk – Hebrew for marketplace – will showcase many local vendors selling goods of all types. Honey, soaps, orchids, Judaica and jewelry will be just a few of the many things available for purchase. Stations featuring Israeli art, henna tattoos and photography will also be on hand. Prices vary for the food, beverages, snacks and items sold in the shuk.

The Chaverim Zone will take over half of the ballroom. The area will have activities for youths of all ages. A blow-up obstacle course, face painting, balloon twisting, fairy hair, crafts, PJ Library Play Place and team games will all be available for kids to experience. Starr Entertainment will keep the older kids and teens engaged all evening with music, interactive games such as “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Kahoot” and classics like hula hoop contests and limbo. There will be plenty of carnival games and Israeli snacks to round out the party zone.

Chaverim wristbands are for youth ages 2-17 and are $5 each and can be purchased in advance at www.JewishTampa.com/IID or at the entrance. Wristbands will be required to enter the zone.

Dance performance: At 7 p.m., the stage lights will shine and the ballroom will come to life for a mesmerizing performance by professional Israeli dance and theatrical troupe, Re-Vital Dance Company.

Re-Vital has 20 dancers between the ages of 17-30 and the group’s goal is to advance the Zionist presence around the world. The group presents music and choreography that conveys the stories of Israel through dance, song, video art and more. The performance for this occasion is titled “Mazal Tov!” and has a wedding theme.

Part of the Re-Vital Dance Company in Petach Tikva, Israel, this group is based in Miami and performs all over the United States.

There is no charge for the dance performance, but pre-registration is highly recommended at www.jewishtampa.com/IID.

• • •

The Israel Independence Day Kadima Committee members are: Chairperson Mazi Goldenberg, along with Haim Goldenberg, Ilana Goldenberg, Danielle Halevi, Mark Jaffe, Margot Marcadis and Cindy Spahn.

Event sponsor is AMITI, with support of the Israel Engagement Fund: JCC Association of North America Program Accelerator, Jewish Book Council, JNF and several committed donors and committee volunteers. To become a supporter or for more information; visit www.jewishtampa.com/IID.

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