IDF soldiers and commanders will have the opportunity to appreciate and promote the country’s impressive achievements in the areas of security, finance, society, education, culture, etc.
The 60th anniversary events are organized by the “Israel at 60” Organizing Council, the Ministry of Defense and the IDF, and will include both traditional activities as well as special events.
On May 4, there will be a flag laying ceremony for fallen soldiers at Har Herzl.
On May 6, there will be a candle lighting ceremony in the presence of the President of Israel, Shimon Peres. The ceremony will take place at the Western Wall and marks the beginning of the Memorial Day for fallen IDF soldiers.
On May 7, there will be various events to mark Memorial Day for fallen IDF soldiers at military cemeteries around the country. Also on May 7, National Memorial Day for the victims of terrorist attacks will take place at Har Herzl. There will be a torch lighting and flag ceremony to open the Independence Day events at Har Herzl. There will also be ceremonies dedicated to IDF soldiers at the Naval Museum in Haifa and a memorial ceremony for the “Haganah,” “Lehi” and “Etzel” fighters in Akko.
On May 8, there will be “A Musical Salute.” Ten different military bands from around the world will perform together with the IDF orchestra in an unforgettable musical and visual show on Independence Day in Haifa. There will also be a reception for 120 outstanding soldiers at the President’s house.
Also on Independence Day, a special IDF parade will take place, including IAF flights over most Israeli communities, a naval review and parachuting exhibition.
Beginning on May 17, the IDF will commence a project to repair, restore and maintain the monuments dedicated to the nation’s fallen soldiers. Teenagers from central Israel will be involved in the restoration work and will meet with the fallen soldiers’ families to hear about their loved ones.
On May 22, there will be a ceremony honoring outstanding reserve units and a ceremony honoring outstanding reserve officers and soldiers, including the presentation of Certificates of Excellence by the Chief of Staff.
There will also be events in countries around the world celebrating Israel’s independence. In the United States there will be a wide range of Independence Day celebrations: Ceremonies and anthem singing, “walks with Israel,” performances by Israeli singers such as Shuly Natan, David Broza and others, fundraisers for Israeli organizations, festive receptions, sing-alongs, folk dancing, speeches, blessings, guest speakers, mega events (with thousands of participants, including mayors of cities), visits of Israeli delegations, musical events, hosting of Israeli soldiers, flag parades, film screenings, lectures, art exhibitions (interpreting the Israeli national anthem through art), picnics and outdoor activities for the whole family, concerts and student parties on and off campuses.
To mark Israel’s 60th birthday, the 92nd Street Y is offering 60 special programs throughout 2008. Ranging from lectures, classes and poetry readings to music and dance performances, these programs examine and celebrate the many facets of the Israeli experience.
On May 29, the NY Mets Celebrate Israel at 60 at 7:10 pm at Shea Stadium in Queens. There will be pre-game music and dancing at 6:30 pm. On June 1, come watch the Salute to Israel Parade, beginning at 11 am on Fifth Avenue, proceeding from 57th to 79th Streets. For more info on the parade visit Salutetoisrael.com.
In Canada there will be a celebration called Party with Israel, with delicious foods and music, festivities including Israeli music and activities for the whole family, guest speakers, festive prayers and ceremonies.
South Africa will have events featuring festive prayers, guest speakers, dancing (with flags), a falafel dinner and a sing-along.
There will be an event at Cricket Stadium–an Aliya fair (including experts on housing, pension, education and mortgages in Israel) and events for the whole family—a jumping castle and slides, carousel, mini soccer (for kids), a climbing wall, mechanical bull, picnic area, falafel stand and Israeli music. There will also be a special drawing for two round-trip tickets to Israel.
In Australia, three of Israel’s finalists on Kochav Nolad (the Israeli equivalent of American Idol) will perform in the central Independence Day events. There will also be student picnics, ceremonies and performances.
New Zealand is planning a whole week of events during “Israel Week” including a performance of the three Kochav Nolad finalists.
Argentina will celebrate with three weeks of events including school events, an Israeli film marathon, youth movement events, a central event with the participation of the ambassador and Jewish organizations and the signing of a solidarity letter for Israel’s kidnapped soldiers.
In Holland, all Jewish organizations will join together for a big central event. England will have an Israeli film evening, a Yom Haazmaut party, festive prayers and a festive dinner, fireworks, folk dancing and performances.
Denmark will have festive prayers in synagogues, events for the whole community in the Jewish school (organized by the Zionist Federation, WIZO, Bnei Akiva and the Jewish community) and a student party with Israeli songs.
Sweden will have a ceremony and party in the Jewish Community Center and Austria is planning a central ceremony, festive prayers and a special dinner, ceremony and celebration in the Jewish school.
Jews everywhere are proud to celebrate Israel at 60.
