Residents of Livingston and the surrounding communities were on hand on Wednesday evening, May 4, to remember Israel’s fallen on Yom Hazikaron and then to celebrate Israel Independence Day at a Yom Ha’atzmaut program. The event was hosted by Livingston Celebrates Israel, part of the Livingston Committee for Diversity and Inclusion.

Rabbi James Proops of Synagogue of the Suburban Torah Center and Rabbi Samuel Klibanoff of Congregation Etz Chaim participated in the event, along with other area cantors and rabbis. A local pastor offered a prayer for the citizens of Ukraine, and Livingston’s mayor, Edward Meinhardt, welcomed attendees. Kochavim, a children’s dance troupe, performed two Israeli dances and then led attendees in Israeli dancing. Israeli snacks were served.