Get Set to Celebrate Israel's 60th on Sunday, May 18

May 08, 2008

Join Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Federation Board Chair Leonard Barrack on Sunday, May 18, for a parade down 16th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. They will lead a spirited procession of bands, floats and marchers, including the Quaker City String Band, Star of David Bikers, the Marching Kazoo Band, police and fire brigades, Jewish war veterans, as well as representatives from synagogues, Kehillot, schools, JCCs and other communal organizations.

The parade, which will begin at noon, will end at Eakins Oval, which will be the site of a festival to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Jewish state through a combination of Israeli foods, music, arts, culture and history.

Festival-goers will enjoy entertainment on two stages, including a special appearance by the acclaimed Israeli pop-rock group Mashina, winner of the 2005 DVD of the year at the Israel Music Awards.

Also appearing will be performers from Philadelphia's Partnership 2000 communities of Netivot and Sedot Negev; Nashirah, the chorale in residence at the Gershman Y; Israeli singer Tzvia Wexler; and a mini-show by cast members of "A State Is Born: Israel@60," a professionally directed, choreographed and produced musical featuring members of Congregation Beth Or in Maple Glen.

On the festival's children's stage, performers will include singer and guitarist Andi Joseph, aka "The Musical Mommy" and Lisa Appel, owner of Miss Lisa, Inc., a Philadelphia-based interactive acrobatic company that combines circus arts, dance and juggling.

To whet visitors' appetites for travel to Israel, festival planners have recreated several popular tourist destinations.

All are encouraged to relax at a Tel Aviv cafe and "beach," shop at the Jerusalem shuk, refresh themselves at the Ein Gedi spa and pet and ride animals in a kibbutz-like atmosphere.

You can also take pride in Israel's accomplishments at the "Best of Israel" tent, watch an Israeli movie, and enjoy native foods and dance.

All activities will be held rain or shine.

For more information, call Beth Razin at 215-832-0536 or e-mail: brazin @philafederation.org. Also visit Federation's Web site at: www.jewishphilly. org/israel60 for updated listings of parade and festival participants.