05/05/2025
Community Celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut Sees Over 1,500 Attendees
Samantha Hirsh, 5, Marcy Rosenthal, and Lena Hirsh, 8, at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Yom Ha’atzmaut event May 1 at Congregation Mishkan Or in Beachwood. CJN Photo / Kirsten Beard
Article reprinted with permission from Cleveland Jewish News
by Kirsten Beard
Over 1,500 people of all ages joined the Jewish community in celebrating Israel’s 77th Independence Day on May 1 at Congregation Mishkan Or in Beachwood.
Led by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, attendees celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut, reflecting on Israel’s Declaration of Independence and the enduring bond between the Jewish people and the State of Israel while praying for the safe return of the remaining 59 hostages held in Gaza and to Israel as it continues to face challenges from Hamas terrorism, Amanda Mayan, event co-chair said.
“Since Oct. 7, our community has shown up in love and strength, standing together through deep grief and heartbreak,” Eric Marderstein, event co-chair, said. “Today, even for a moment, we choose to feel joy, celebrating the resilience and spirit of Israel. As part of this moment, we invite you to find one of the memorial stones used to commemorate Oct. 7 and paint it with a message of healing, Israel pride, and life.”
The event featured traditional opportunities for children and families, including Israeli music and dancing, flag dances by local Jewish day schools, activities and crafts for all ages, plus face painting, flower crowns and art projects, food from Mendel’s Kosher BBQ was available for purchase and a shuk, or market, featuring merchandise from Israel’s border communities.
Attendees also had the opportunity to interact with members of the Israel Defense Forces education corps and The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Youth Futures mentorship program for at-risk children. Colonel Einat Elbalak of the IDF Education Force gave a speech at the event during welcoming remarks.
“The dedication and the vibrant love for Israel in Cleveland have been impressive, comforting and inspiring,” Elbalak said. “Your community has welcomed us so warmly, and it’s been our honor to share this moment today with you. Israel in Cleveland is thriving, and we feel home, away from home, in this amazing community.”
Israeli delegates were also in attendance for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Teens also had a dedicated space with arcade games and a collaborative playlist, slime table, photo booth, challah braiding workshop and more. This was done in collaboration with local shinshinim and BBYO.
Rabbi Elle Muhlbaum led the attendees in a prayer for Israel and Maya Maderstein sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the event.
The Cleveland Jewish News was the media sponsor of the event.
