Several large events in North America took place recently to mark Israel's 60th birthday.
In San Diego, over 1,000 people came together and celebrated at a special event. In Los Angeles, over 20,000 people came to the 60th Israel Festival in Woodley Park (located in the San Fernando Valley).
The San Diego Israel Alliance, the pro-Israel student group at UC San Diego, proudly brought Israel's 60th birthday to the campus. UCSD celebrated Israel@60 on two main parts of campus. One area included a long outdoor walkway with huge posters of Israel, tables filled with giveaways, and information on Israel's contribution to society (technology, medicine, green energy, etc). The other part of campus included food, music, games, and a big birthday cake.
UCSD celebrated Israel@60
Jewish College Night 2008
Over 600 Jewish college students, 18-26, from universities all over Southern California came to celebrate Independence Day in Hollywood, CA. Festivities included live music, performances, guest speakers from the Consulate of Israel and large screens displaying aliyah program videos and Jewish Agency logos.
The night culminated with a touching moment when the entire club sang Hatikvah together.
Israel in the Gardens 2008
Over 20,000 people converged on Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco for the hottest and freshest in Israeli music, food, film and more.
This massive party was not to be missed. It was a day full of entertainment and cultural exhibits with
teens, families, young adults and friends of all ages taking part in interactive displays, awesome contests and prizes, and vast offerings of ethnic food, culture and fun. Information was available for short and long term programs in Israel. It was the first time since the event's inception 11 year ago that aliyah took on such a prominent role in the day's happenings.
Walk with Israel
Over 15,000 supporters of Israel recently participated in UJA Federation’s annual Walk with Israel in Toronto, Canada. In a show of solidarity for Israel and in celebration of the Jewish state’s 60th anniversary, participants, made up of all ages, walked the 7.5 km route proudly waving flags and singing songs. Six-year-old Joey Eisner, who’ll be making aliyah with his family this summer, led the Hatikvah. Click here to view his adorable performance.