Celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day with the Simon Family JCC’s  biggest party of the year!

Sunday, May 18
11am – 5pm
taste | explore | discover Israel without leaving Hampton Roads!
Free admission (food and some rides require ticket purchase)
Open to all!

What is Yom Ha’atzmaut?
Yom Ha’Atzmaut, the Independence Day of Israel, will be celebrated this year beginning at sunset on May 5th to sunset on May 6th. On that date in the Hebrew year of 5708—corresponding to the May 14, 1948—the State of Israel was proclaimed. In 1949, Yom Ha’Atzmaut became the official holiday on the State of Israel. Celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaut in America has been a way to express solidarity with the State of Israel and to strengthen our alliance.

Fun for Everyone!
Most of the festival activities will be outside or in the Fleder MultiPurpose Room. Check out the full program here.
$ – tickets required. All ticket sales are final.

Happening Outside…
Archeological dig
Ryan the Balloon Guy
Beer and Israeli Wine *id required
Ben Yehuda Street Marketplace
Camel Rides
Color Me Mine
Children’s Arts and Crafts
Food Marketplace
Gaga Pit – Israeli Dodgeball!
Ice Cream to support Maccabi Team Tidewater
Israel Matters from Stand With US – 64ft, multi-panel display with interesting facts about Israel
Inflatables
Monkey’s in Motion ride
Petting Zoo
Ezekiel the Strolling Magician
Tattoos and Fun Color Hair Spray
Caricatures by Victor Marcos

Check out what’s happening on the Main Stage
11:10 – 11:25am Stand With Us – Yoni Kaplan & Tahli Hanuka

11:30am – 12:50pm Hataklitim

1:00 – 1:30pm Israeli Folk Dancing

1:35 – 1:50pm Hebrew Academy of Tidewater’s Students Sing

2:00 – 3:00pm The Frailiche Klezmer Band (Warren Weiss – Drums; Kathy Weiss – Piano; Dave Kreiselman – Clarinet; Randy Ladkau – Trumpet; Russ Robertson – Trombone/Vocalist; Alan Bartel – Flute)

3:00 – 3:15pm Adventures in Israel, founders of Puzzle Israel

3:15 – 4:35pm Hataklitim (Yaron Halfon – Drums; Yogev Zorea – Lead vocals/Saxophone; Yuval Bach – Bass guitar/Vocals; Lior Blatt – Guitar;
Ori Dubitzky – Keyboards)

Technology Hub: Fleder Multipurpose Room
The Simon Family JCC is proud to share AIPAC’s (America Israel Public Affairs Committee) annual Policy Conference Innovation Showcase, featuring great products and ideas that Israel has shared with the world.

Calling All Volunteers!
If you are interested in volunteering at the Israel Fest next weekend, please click here.