Approximately 2,000 people relaxed and enjoyed “Livingston Celebrates Israel,” Thursday, May 1, at one of the best Yom Ha’Atzmaut gatherings in the town center complex. Many representatives and friends of the Jewish community participated, including Jewish organizations, schools, synagogues, members of the town council and state assembly, entertainers and local businesses. All added to the fun and excitement of this special evening honoring the State of Israel.

Children enjoyed bouncy slides, face painting, henna tattoos, jewelry making, writing letters to Israel’s soldiers and more. A musical performance by rapper Kosha Dillz got kids and adults dancing. Students of Golda Ochs Academy, GOA, and Kushner Academy, JKHA/RKYHS performed Israeli dances and Taekwondo. For refreshments, whatever your passion might have been was available: pizza, hotdogs, sweets and a special pop-up by Manhattan restaurant Taboonia, an eatery serving traditional Druze dishes.

Rabbi E. Samuel Klibanoff of Congregation Etz Chaim remarked: “It is wonderful that we could come out and celebrate Israel’s birthday and feel safe and happy and enjoy—and really feel like we have a little piece of Israel here. I think it is really tremendous.”

Celine Leeds, executive director of the Jewish National Fund Central New Jersey, added, “I feel so much pride and joy to live in a town that embraces Israel with so much enthusiasm.”

Rabbi Eliot Mathias, Aish of Livingston and COO Aish, commented: “When you look at the news and you see what’s going on in the world, sometimes you think we’re alone, but to come and see that we are such a strong community is really inspiring, and you see this is a great place to live.”

Town Councilman Michael Vieira said: “Livingston is a great, diverse community. We are very happy to celebrate Israel at 77. The entire town council loves participating in this great event.”

The evening concluded with the Israeli flag raising at the Town Hall, attended by the entire Livingston Town Council and Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie.

Rabbi Proops, Synagogue of Suburban Torah, spoke poignantly in appreciation for our safety in Livingston. He thanked the police and fire departments, public works and EMTs who all cooperated and made this evening, as every day, a success, “This is a wonderful celebration expressing true unity throughout the Jewish community and our community friends,” he said.

Suzy Lugushi, Inna Yelisevich and Shyella Mayk head the committee creating this event. They thanked the Livingston Town Council, Livingston Police Department, Mayor Edward Meinhardt, local sponsors and resident volunteers. Lugushi commented, “We are really excited to have this amazing event, inviting all the community to unite and show our love for the beautiful country, Israel.” She asked that anyone who would like to volunteer or join as a sponsor next year visit LivingstoncelebratesIsrael.com or @Livingstoncelebratesisrael.