What an amazing celebration last week in honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut! The day began with a daglanut ceremony. The entire school gathered outside to share in song and flag dances. Students then enjoyed a special program, in which students “visited Israel.” All of the activities related in some way to Eretz Yisrael. The children enjoyed Israel-related art activities—Shrinky Dinks in Tzefat, writing a note and placing in in the Kotel in Yerushalayim as well as stringing blue and white beaded bracelets. They then prepared their very own pita and enjoyed it for snack with some chocolate spread. The children rounded out their visit with ice cream at a local cafe, where they ordered their ice cream in Hebrew, and paid in shekalim! All of the activities were conducted in Hebrew—it was as if we were really in Israel. As a finale to this wonderful day, the early childhood department gathered together and marched in a parade around the halls of the school, with flags held aloft and voices raised in song. The children truly have an appreciation of and love for Israel! Chag sameach!