Israel’s 70th birthday was celebrated with the raising of the Israeli flag and the singing of “Hatikva,” Israel’s national anthem, at the Council Chambers of Jersey City. Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, the Jersey City Municipal Council and the Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs co-sponsored the annual event. Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop presented a special proclamation recognizing the 70th anniversary of Israel’s independence to Ambassador Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel in New York. Rabbi Robert Scheinberg from United Synagogue of Hoboken opened the ceremony. Also contributing with remarks were director of JCRC Ariella Noveck; Bruce Brafman, Jewish Community Relations Committee chair; and Ron Rosensweig, Marni Kriegel and Tal Shuster representing Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey.