This year’s special program will be held on Wednesday, April 30.
(Courtesy of Cong. Rinat Yisrael) Teaneck and Bergen County will soon come together to do something dramatic and significant. Our pro-Israel community will lead the way in declaring our love and support for Israel. We will celebrate as we tell the positive story of Israel and the Jewish people.
Our theme this year is Am Hanetzach — the Eternal People. With war in Israel and ongoing antisemitism around the world, the importance of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut only grows. We will honor the memories of soldiers and victims of the Oct. 7 massacre who have a special connection to our Bergen County communities. We will link ourselves to the eternal story of the Jewish people as it is being written today by the heroes of Israel.
The Yom Ha’Atzmaut experience will:
- Display our unwavering support for the state of Israel.
- Provide an outlet for our Zionism on this momentous day in Israel’s history.
- Unify our community in standing against the rise of antisemitism locally and around the world.
At this critical time, we must not hide our support for Israel. Our support for Israel belongs in the public square. Israel and America have a long and beautiful partnership. We — as Americans — have been a critical part of Israel’s success. America was there for Israel from the time of its founding. America has not just been the critical ally in Israel’s defense; America has been a beacon of democratic values that has inspired Israel’s democracy. As we witness terrible libels, we must use our freedom of speech and deploy truth and light to dispel lies and hatred.
We have created an exciting program to do exactly this. Be a part of it. Put this date on your calendars.
Draw your love for Israel in the sky! We will be conducting a contest in advance of this year’s program. Please submit your drawings that express your love for Israel. The best submission will come to life in the air above our celebration. Submissions can be sent to yomhaatzmaut@rinat.org.
Congregation Rinat Yisrael has partnered with many local organizations to create the Yom Ha’Atzmaut Experience. It will all take place on Wednesday, April 30. We will begin with Mincha at 6:15 p.m.; Yom Hazikaron Kumzitz will be at 6:30, and Yom Ha’Atzmaut at 7:30 to culminate with an aerial light show at 8 followed by dancing. The program will conclude with Maariv and finish before 9. Location information will be shared upon registration.
The kumzitz will include heartfelt music led by local musicians and video tributes to Israel’s heroes who fell in battle. The aerial light show will be even more spectacular than last year’s. Everyone is welcome to attend part or all of the program.
