On Wednesday, April 30, DSN held a vibrant celebration of unity, resilience, and pride as over 500 people gathered in the Community Center to honor Yom Ha’atzmaut.
The evening began with a solemn and powerful tribute to the 59 remaining hostages. As the crowd stood in silence, 59 individuals held candles while each hostage’s name was read aloud. It was a poignant moment that captured the heartbreak and gravity of the current moment in Israel. The ceremony was followed by the Israeli national anthem, “Hatikvah,” movingly sung by IDF soldier, Rav Tomer.
Rabbi David Tawil of the Larchwood Synagogue shared heartfelt words of Divrei Torah offering inspiration for the community’s hope and steadfast support for Israel. Committee chairs Honey Dayan and Jacqueline Musry followed with brief remarks, expressing deep gratitude for the community’s involvement and unwavering spirit.
What began with somber reflection soon transitioned into an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and celebration — true to Israeli spirit, where sorrow and joy so often dance together. On a dazzling stage lit with wild lighting effects, headliner Nechemia Katz delivered a breathtaking performance that had the audience on their feet for hours. With a voice described by many as “magnificent” and “unbelievable,” Katz’s energy was infectious. At one point, he brought children on stage to sing alongside him, creating an atmosphere of unity and hope that spanned generations.
“The Deal community is where it’s at!” said Jacqueline Musry. “Each year DSN puts on an explosive celebration, and this year, Nechemia Katz truly brought the house down. His passion was evident from our very first conversation, and after tonight, we were left absolutely speechless.”
Adding to the excitement, the evening featured glowing accessories, festive décor, Israeli flags and glow-in-the-dark strobe sticks. “It was a night my children and I will never forget,” said Honey Dayan. “DSN made our dream a reality!”
Committee member Pauline Assa reflected on the deeper impact of the night: “It was so meaningful–something that will truly leave a lasting imprint on the hundreds of people who were in that room.”
DSN’s annual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration continues to grow each year, strengthening the bonds of the community while honoring Israel’s past, present, and future. From solemn candlelight ceremonies to jubilant song and dance, the night was a moving tribute to resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of Am Yisrael.
Sammy Sitt, DSN’s Executive Director, summarized. “What a night! DSN has been displaying its fervent support of Israel over the past 18 months with event after event, many of them somber ones reflecting on October 7th. But tonight was different. Tonight, our community came out to celebrate the fact that we have a Jewish state, a place that we will always love and treasure. We are very fortunate to have volunteers and staff who are passionate about Israel in putting this event together. May Hashem continue to bless DSN to provide more celebrations and happy occasions.”
