Last month, Israel turned 78. While those in Israel celebrated Israel Independence Day, Yom Ha’atzmaut, so did Jewish Philadelphians. Jewish Community Centers and Jewish Congregations all marked the day with parades, prayers, music and more.
However, nothing was as big as the Delaware Valley’s 1991 Israel Independence Day celebration for Israel’s 43rd birthday.
In the May 3, 1991, issue of the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent, author Joyce S. Kutler wrote, “The day’s activities will include a parade with 50 marching groups from throughout the Philadelphia area; a bazaar on the Judge Lewis Quadrangle at Independence Mall, with more than 80 booths offering Israeli crafts and merchandise, information and kosher food; a Children’s Fun Fair with games, clowns, magicians and stage performers; and a solidarity rally featuring speakers and entertainment.”
According to Kutler, the parade was expected to see more than 4,000 marchers from synagogues and organizations throughout the Delaware Valley.
Groups were set to line up on the sidewalks of Chestnut Street and proceed from 13th to Fifth streets, and then turn to pass the Liberty Bell Pavilion on Independence Mall.
“Groups will carry flags, posters, signs and banners, and many will sing and perform as they march,” wrote Kutler.
Following the parade was the Israel 43 solidarity rally, which included speakers such as the then presidents of the JCRC and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, as well as Philadelphia Mayor W. Wilson Goode.
“A highlight of the rally will be the performance by (Grammy-award-winning singer/songwriter and Havertown native Julie) Gold of her award-winning song, ‘From a Distance,’ which, with its lyrics stressing harmony and human understanding, became popular during the Persian Gulf War,” detailed Kutler.
A message that still holds true today.