On Sunday, April 23, the community gathered to celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday. The early afternoon featured crafts and activities from community organizations in partnership with the JCC’s Earth Day celebration. Visitors had the opportunity to picture themselves in Israel, learn how to make balloon flowers, and follow a story walk on a metaphorical walk through the country. One highlight was the farm animals, reminding guests about the agricultural roots that are such an important part of Israeli life. Others had the chance to send a prayer to the Western Wall, taste Bedouin tea and learn about irrigation in Israel.

The evening featured a celebration of the Indianapolis community’s connections to Israel. Students from the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis and Butler University started off with the national anthems of Israel and the United States. There were welcoming remarks shared from Yinam Cohen, Israeli Consul General to the Midwest, and Sven Schumacher, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany.

In an interview guided by Miriam Dant, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett shared about his ties to Israel and a bit about his last visit. He also read a proclamation from the city in honor of Israel’s 75th birthday.

A highlight of the evening was the celebration of the community’s deep ties to Israel through the Partership2Gether
program that connects Hoosiers to Budapest and Israel. Four delegates from the Western Galilee shared their
experiences as career soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces. Avi Michaeli, Billy Harel, Eli Efrati and Golan Rosenberg brought stories of laughter, unity and hope to the program and in turn were inspired by their interactions with members of the Indianapolis community.

The event also celebrated the many ways that the Jewish community educators connect students to Israel through
teaching Hebrew and weaving learning about the country through their lessons. Educators at all levels and from almost every organization were asked to stand and be recognized, and were honored again at the JFGI Annual Meeting on June 21.

Finally, the event celebrated the Community Shaliach (emissary) program, which is a key element to building foundational relationships between Israelis and Hoosiers. Indianapolis has had many amazing young Israelis come to live in Indianapolis for a year or two, and are looking to resume this program which was paused due to COVID. Past Shlichim gave greetings from Israel and host families recorded heart felt tributes to their time spent with these
young educators. An effort to raise funds to support this program is being spearheaded by Megan Maurer, who was also chair for the evening program.

Many thanks to the JCC for integrating the Israel@75 theme into Earth Day and hosting a true community celebration.