Yom Ha’atzmaut, which begins the evening of May 8, celebrates the state of Israel’s founding in 1948, and Israeli cities are bursting with outdoor events, parties and concerts.
But if you can’t make it to Jerusalem, here are some local events celebrating Israeli Independence Day.
Monday, May 6
Israeli Film Screening: Tel Aviv on Fire
7-9:30 p.m.; Cost: $25
Salam (Kais Nashif), a middle-aged slacker with not much to show for his life, scores a gig as a production assistant on the hit Palestinian soap, Tel Aviv on Fire.
A reception will be held after the screening.
Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St., Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 8
Movie Night: Hill 24 Doesn’t Answer
7-9:30 p.m.; Cost: $5
Set during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, four soldiers of fortune — a Palestinian, an Irishman, an American and a Yemenite — have aligned themselves with the Jewish forces. As the group tries to maintain control of a key stronghold outside of Jerusalem, known as Hill 24, each character relates his reason for joining the fight.
Congregation Brothers of Israel, 530 Washington Crossing Road, Newtown.
Thursday, May 9
Pop-Up Celebration at Dilworth Park
Celebrate Israel’s 71st birthday with Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia at Paine Plaza located on JFK Boulevard between Broad and 15th streets, across from Dilworth Park and City Hall. Stop by anytime between noon and 2 p.m. and join friends, family and public officials for a pop-up celebration packed with Israeli music, candy and giveaways.
Mesiba – Party at Infusion Lounge
8 p.m.; Cost $10-15
The theme this year is Eurovision, an international original song competition.
16 S. Second St., second fl., Philadelphia.
Israeli Movie Night at the Ambler Theater
7-9:30 p.m.; Cost: $15
The Congregation Beth Or Israel Committee and Sisterhood invite you to The Unorthodox at the Ambler Theater followed by a discussion led by Rabbi Gregory S. Marx.
The Unorthodox is the Philadelphia Israeli Film Festival’s pick of the year. 108 E. Butler Ave., Ambler.
Friday, May 17
Shabbat Celebration with Israeli Flavor
6-9 p.m.
Israeli-style Kabbalat Shabbat, including Shabbat dinner and Yom Ha’atzmaut activities for adults and kids. Sponsored by the Israeli-American Council (IAC) Philadelphia and Katz JCC, 1301 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
Sunday, June 2
Bucks County Kehillah Jewish Festival
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Community members celebrate everything Israel at this free festival with food, vendors, interactive learning, information about Jewish organizations and raffles.
Bucks County Community College, Linksz Pavilion, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown.
esilverman@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0737
