Westchester Celebrates Israel@70

April 15, 2018, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Schechter Westchester Upper School
555 W. Hartsdale Avenue
Harstdale, NY

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Join us for a spectacular countywide celebration to mark Israel’s 70th birthday!
Westchester Celebrates Israel@70
April 15, 2018, 12-5pm
Schechter Westchester Upper School: 555 W. Hartsdale Avenue in Hartsdale

Don’t worry about driving to Hartsdale!  Join WJC on our bus from Mamaroneck.  We will leave WJC at 12pm and return at 2:30pm. Want to enjoy the festivities a little longer?  Stay until 3:30pm and the bus will come back to get you and bring you back to WJC. For more information or to reserve your spot on the bus today, contact Aleza at (914) 698-2960 or educdir@wjcenter.org.

About Westchester Celebrates Israel@70
The day’s activities will pay tribute to the great achievements of the Jewish homeland and will include appearances by a number of special guests including Miss Israel 2013, Yityish Titi Aynaw, as well as feature a variety of exhibits, speakers, interactive workshops, performances, children’s activities, and, of course, great food.

There will be something for everyone—activities throughout the day will include a musical performance of the children’s book, “Ella’s Journey to Israel,” a lecture about the history of Israel through song, a Krav Maga (Israeli self-defense) session, and a photo exhibit showcasing the moving work of photographers documenting the diversity in Israel today. Take a virtual hike through Israel on “Shvil Yisrael,” participate in a communal art project,  “My Tie,” a collaborative art project using ribbons to express personal feelings about Israel which is being done by communities throughout the U.S. and Israel.  Israeli hi-tech will be experienced up close to Start-Up Nation exhibits and presentations.

Distinguished speakers are scheduled, including David Harris, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, the leading global Jewish advocacy organization; Shahar Azani, Executive Director, StandWithUs, (Northeast Region), an international non-profit Israel education organization, which is dedicated to supporting Israel around the world; and Sivan Ya’ari, and Founder and CEO of Innovation: Africa, an organization that has changed the lives of 1 million Africans by bringing Israeli technology to their villages.

A toddler room containing age-appropriate activities will provide respite for the very young and their parents. Snacks and entertainment will be available at the Machane Yehuda shuk (reminiscent of a traditional Israeli open air marketplace), where there will be opening and closing ceremonies, including greetings from dignitaries, in addition to snack stalls, and non-stop entertainment through the afternoon — music, dance, a photo booth, children’s face painting and spray tattoos, “Midrash Manicures”  (Israel themed nail decals and nail polish designs), and inflatables right outside.  In addition, there will be a grand exhibition of Israeli products and Judaica for sale as well as informational tables for organizations.

Cost for the day is $ 10 per adult before April 1 and $ 20 per adult after this date. Children 18 and under and college students with ID are free. Kosher food will be available for sale. Tickets are available online at www.westchesterisraelat70.com. The festival will take place rain or shine.