Illinois students celebrate Israel
Reader contribution: Party for Israeli Independence Day includes music, food, dance and positive feelings for Israel among students, Jewish and non-Jewish alike
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign celebrated Israel’s 57th birthday with spirit, pride, and respect.
The festivities began Tuesday, May 3, with a beautiful Yom Hazikaron (Israeli Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Terror Victims) vigil. Students watched a moving presentation in honor of the victims of terror, participated in candle lighting, and said prayers for the state of Israel and the Israeli army.
On Wednesday, the birthday celebration began, and lasted until the night. The party took place on the quad, which was all decked out in blue and white and with a surplus of Israeli flags.
Israel’s 57th birthday extravaganza included free Israeli food, a drummer’s circle, Israeli music, dancing and much, much more. Students showed their artistic talents and passion for Israel by participating in the Tile-Aviv project. Tiles were decorated with words of peace, love for Israel, and inspiring artwork.
This apolitical celebration was a huge success. The day was made even nicer by the noticeable absence of anti-Israel protestors as there has been in years past. Instead, students who had never had falafel ate falafel and made a positive connection to Israel.
Students who have never heard Israeli music listened and made a positive connection to Israel.
Students who passed by on their way to classes witnessed their peers joyfully celebrating Israel’s existence, and made a positive connection to Israel. Students who may not have known the meaning of Yom Haatzmaut, were able to celebrate.
Efforts throughout the year by Hillel in close partnership with the JCRC and its Initiative for Israel on Illinois Campuses helped ensure that this was the case.
The birthday party for Israel continued that evening at Hillel for an amazing block party, in order to carry on the celebration of Israel’s independence. The party included a barbeque, live music from student bands and the Jewish band Beyond Eden, a jousting inflatable, desserts for Israeli charities, a table highlighting the JUF Campus Campaign and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
Several hundred students and community members, Jews and non-Jews alike were drawn to the variety of attractions. The celebration ended as students danced until nighttime to the wonderful music of secular and Hebrew songs. Students sang along and danced to songs such as "Yachad," a song of love and unity.
The festivities proved to be more than just an event that celebrated Israel’s independence and existence, but also allowed for students to be supportive of Israel and proud of the diverse culture. The array of attractions, variety of celebratory activities, and the overall love of Israel brought the authentic culture to Illinois.
