Would you ever think about skipping your best friend’s birthday?
Of course not, especially, if your loved one has been through so many challenges and has got plenty of reasons to celebrate!
Zionism Victoria, in partnership with UIA, are excited to invite you to Israel’s 69th Birthday: be with us to experience the Yom Hazikaron commemoration and Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration.
Be a part of our journey of remembrance, thoughtfulness, pride, joy and special connection to our fabulous country – Israel.
Yom Hazikaron Memorial: An Emotional and Thought-Provoking Ceremony
Melbourne’s 2017 Yom Hazikaron solemn ceremony will allow the community to collectively remember and honour people
who have fallen in defence of the State or as victims of terror.
This year’s commemoration will mark 50 years since the Six Day War, 20 years since the Galilee helicopter disaster, and 30 years since the First Palestinian Intifada. Sadly, as terror attacks against Israelis and Jews around the world have escalated, this too will be a focus of the ceremony.
Traditionally, community members who have lost a relative or friend will share their stories and will light a memorial candle.
One of the candle lighters, Efri Bart, who lost two brothers in the Yom Kippur War, said, “I really miss being with my family in Israel over Yom Hazikaron. It’s a special time when we would get together to bring back the memories of those we lost, to support and hug each other… Sharing my story at the Yom Hazikaron ceremony will ensure that my brothers’ memory lives on no matter how many years pass.”
Melbourne’s 2017 Yom Hazikaron commemoration will take place on Sunday evening, 30 April 2017, at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University, Clayton Campus.
Blue & White Night: One-Of-Its-Kind Israeli Experience in the Heart of Melbourne
Following the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural Blue & White Night, Zionism Victoria will be recreating the experience and making it even bigger and better.
As the sun sets on Yom Hazikaron and we move into Yom Haatzmaut, the Beth Weizmann Jewish Community Centre will transform into Little Israel with an array of festive ‘Blue & White’ activities, music and dancing, story slamming, wine bar, Israeli street food flavours, and incredible performances by local and Israeli artists.
Highlights of the night include a live art session by a promising artist Avi Paneth who will capture the atmosphere of the evening.
Limor Komornick, who joined us to celebrate Israel’s Birthday at Blue & White Night in 2016, said, “It was a buzzing night filled with music and dancing. We loved modern Israeli songs that made us feel we were in Israel. There were people from near and far, and everyone’s energy and excitement were tangible!”
Join Yom Ha’Atzmaut Blue & White Night on Monday 1 May 2017 at 7-10pm at Beth Weizmann Jewish Community Centre, 306 Hawthorn Rd, Caulfield South
Book tickets in advance and save at https://zionismvictoria.iwannaticket.com.au
Yom Ha’Atzmaut Family Festival: Israeli Street Festival for the Entire Family
One of the most anticipated Jewish community events of the year bringing together over 3000 parents, children and friends is our Yom Ha’Atzmaut Family Festival.
From fun, educational and interactive stalls, arts & crafts and workshops to a raffle with great prizes, alef-bet yoga, petting zoo, Israeli-themed games and activities, live music, and yummy Israeli food, our Yom Ha’atzmaut Family Festival is not to be missed.
Zoe Goodhardt, who came to Yom Ha’Atzmaut Family Festival with her children in 2016, said, “I believe that it’s important to teach your kids about solidarity and support for Israel, and what is a better way to do so than by celebrating Israel’s birthday as a community and as one family. Last year, my kids had the best time with so many excellent and fun activities; we’ll surely come again this year.”
Bring your family and friends to Yom Ha’Atzmaut Family Festival on 2 May 2017, from 4-7 pm at Beth Weizmann Jewish Community Centre, 306 Hawthorn Rd, Caulfield South
Ticket prices: $5 adults, FREE for kids.
Even More Yom Ha’Atzmaut Events to Attend
Transition Ceremony
For children and families
Monday 1st May 2017, 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Beth Weizmann Jewish Community Centre
Admission Free
Israel’s Birthday Bash
For Young Adults
Details will be announced on our facebook | twitter | Instagram: @ZionismVictoria
Bonus: Save the Date for Israel Shabbat
On 5-6 May 2017, various synagogues in Victoria will celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut with a range of Israel-related activities including Israel-themed Shabbat dinners, kiddushim and guest speakers. The list of participating synagogues will be revealed in the near future.
Stay tuned and don’t miss important updates about our upcoming events. For more information, visit zionismvictoria.org.au, follow us on social media, email info@zionismvictoria.org.au or call 9272 5544