Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey held several programs to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, to mark Israel’s 71st birthday.
Each celebration featured school choirs singing the beautiful words of Hatikva, among other Jewish songs. At several of the flag raisings attendees were fortunate to hear from keynote speaker, Israel Nitzan, Israel’s deputy consul general, who spoke about the truly special and enduring relationship between the democracies of Israel and the United States. Attendees got a taste of Israel as they sampled falafel, hummus and Israeli salad.
JFNNJ would like to recognize and thank Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III, Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop, Wayne Mayor Christopher Vergano, Assemblyman Gary Schaer, Federation President Roberta Abrams, Freeholder Tracy Silna Zur, President of the Wayne Y Michael Rubin, Rabbi Chaim Poupko, Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner, Rabbi Robert Scheinberg, Rabbi Randall Mark, Rabbi Michel Gurkov and law enforcement, as well as all the lay leaders who made these special festivities possible.
For more information or to inquire about hosting a flag raising in your town contact Ariella Noveck, director of Jewish community relations at [email protected].
