70 hours of Israeli Celebrations
Plans for celebrating Israel’s 70th birthday events have been announced by Minister of Culture and Sport, Miri Regev.
Miri Regev
Photo: Eli Sabti
The event included an unveiling of the logo that will accompany the celebrations throughout the year. A Star of David appears at the heart of the logo – a symbol of the strength and determination of the people of Israel since the time of King David. The Star of David received a modern design, in which the number 70 was incorporated with lines that burst out and continue as pixels, and symbolizes two things: Eternity alongside innovation and progress.
The word “Israel” appears in the logo in the scribal writing style, as the Torah was written on parchment, and expresses the unbreakable bond between the modern state of Israel and ancient nationalism; between 2018 and biblical times; between Heavenly Jerusalem and Earthly Jerusalem.
The theme for Israel’s 70th was also revealed: “Heritage of Innovation”.
Miri Regev said: “More than any other society in the world, there is a deep blend in Israeli society of old and new, of religion and modernity, of spirit and substance – and perhaps that is the secret of its power, the secret of our power. The Israeli society holds strong national, historical and traditional qualities, which allow it to maintain its identity, its unity and of course its safety. As such it is creative, looks to the future, thinks outside the box, and is a trailblazer in research, medicine and agriculture, thereby providing a vital contribution to all of humanity.The government decided to highlight this unique contribution from Israel to the world under the headline ‘Heritage of Innovation’.”
These values are illustrated on the logo, in the torch-lighting ceremony and in numerous events throughout the year. The 70 hours of celebrations will begin with the torch-lighting ceremony, continue until Shabbat begins and resume when it ends, and will include:
“Israel and the World Sing Together” – Following the torch-lighting ceremony, a countdown will take place, after which the entire state of Israel and Jewish people around the world will sing one song together. During the last chorus of the song there will be a firework show, one of the largest to take place in the state of Israel.
“70km Party” – A beach party that will take place from Tiberias to Eilat, in which young people, in both body and mind, will enjoy good music, dancing and celebrations all night long.
“Parade of Lights” – Thursday night’s Light March will include illuminated elements and figures that will illustrate Israeli success and innovation. The first parade of its kind in Israel, in which everyone is welcome to take part.
“The 70th Hora” – Following the state’s declaration that will be heard at 4:00PM on Friday, the citizens of Israel will burst into dance to songs that were written especially for the 70th. After the Hora, a collective Kabalat Shabbat will take place.
“Soundtrack Event for Israeli Society” – The closing event for the 70 hour celebration will be in honor of the artists among us, both those that are alive and those that are no longer with us. As part of this event, never-before-seen collaborations will take place onstage.
Minister Regev added that, “The 70 hours of celebrations will include all citizens: Haredi, Religious, and Secular; Jews and Arabs; Eastern and Western; Center and Periphery. These will be 70 hours of celebrations in Israeli society that connect us all. The events are tailored for both young and veteran audiences, for entire families and also for Jews around the world. We are going to host the most talked about, and moving events in Israeli society, full of energy, positivity and joy. It will be exciting, distinguished and touching, just as this country that we love so dearly deserves. The state of Israel is celebrating 70.”
Celebrations will take place in April.
