03/26/2021
Jewish Cleveland's Annual Yom Ha'atzmaut Celebration Set for April 15
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Community-wide Israel Independence Day party will feature drive-in and online options
Yom Hazikaron commemoration set for April 13
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland will host its annual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration – a festival celebrating Israel’s 73rd Independence Day – on Thursday, April 15 from 5:30 – 6:45 pm. It is free and open to the community.
Community members will have the opportunity to choose how they want to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut this year by attending either a family-friendly “in-car-nival” drive-in experience or enjoying the event from the comfort of their home through a complementary virtual event.
At the drive-in experience, attendees are encouraged to decorate their cars, and wear blue and white attire. Guests will stay in their cars while enjoying a musical performance from Israel by the “Lehava” band, greetings from Tom Elgart, base commander at Havat Hashomer, plus live dancers, stilt walkers, dancers, magicians, and more. There will also be a special family-friendly lot, where families with young children can enjoy a bubble show and other activities. Attendees can order Israeli style food from Kantina in advance, which will be delivered to their car. The drive-in experience will take place at Corporate College East (4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, OH 44128). The parking lot will open at 5:00 pm.
The virtual celebration will be a simulcast of the drive-in experience in which viewers will get to enjoy the featured music from Israel, games, and more. Virtual event attendees can take advantage of area kosher restaurants’ “Yom Ha’atzmaut Special” to enjoy during the event. Participating restaurants include Arova, Chocolate Emporium, Fishstix, Kantina, and Milky Way. Restaurants can be contacted directly for more details and ordering.
The first 200 registrants who register for either the virtual or drive-in experience will receive an “Israel in a Box” activity box.
“Yom Ha’atzmaut is one of the largest Jewish community-wide events here in Cleveland,” said event co-chair Michael Stovsky of Beachwood. “With this hybrid format, individuals and families can celebrate in their own unique way. I look forward to participating virtually with our community.”
“I am excited to bring my family to the drive-in experience and celebrate together,” said event co-chair Allison Wuliger of Kirtland. “We look forward to offering attendees an interactive experience, complete with Israeli music, games, lively entertainment, and more!”
The Federation will also host its annual Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) commemoration with a meaningful memorial service honoring Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. This virtual ceremony will be held two days before Yom Ha’atzmaut at 7 pm on Tuesday, April 13.
Yom Ha’atzmaut is sponsored by the Cleveland Jewish News, in addition to more than 30 community partners. Registration is required for both events. For more information or to register for Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Hazikaron, please visit www.jewishcleveland.org.
