Emanuel School transforms into a sea of blue and white
Sydney’s Emanuel School became blue and white as the focus turned to remembering and celebrating the State of Israel.
Arielle Sofer, Julia Meltzer, Kelly Glick and Daniella Stein
Yom Hazikaron was commemorated with a ceremony led by Shlomo Ben-Haiem from the JNF and modeled on remembrance ceremonies in Israel.
Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations began with all year groups involved in activities to celebrate our Israeli heritage and culture, past and future. From making Israeli salad and WIZO-donated bead bracelets to Israeli dancing and the High School Yom Ha’atzmaut quiz, there was something for everyone. The three-metre high Israeli flag flew proudly on the side of the Brender Moss High School Building and students dressed in blue and white waved their own flags to the Maccabeats.
While there was much excitement around the School there was also time for reflection and the High School students held a ceremony that centred on the theme of tikvah – the hope of Israel. Reflecting on the words and message of Israel’s national anthem, students were asked to think about their own tikvah, their own hope and vision for Israel. Four young Israelis who are currently visiting Jewish day schools as guests of the JNF joined us for the ceremony and spoke to the students, sharing their connection with Israel and their personal tikvah – their hope for Israel.
Matthew Friedman, Year 11, enjoyed the festivities, “Yom Ha’atzmaut at Emanuel is always filled with infectious ruach. The Israeli quiz provided opportunities for students to share their Israeli knowledge, answer questions about Hebrew slang, famous Israeli places and faces, geography, history and, the much-anticipated, Israeli dance-off. I can’t say I featured terribly well in the latter, but I redeemed myself in other less conspicuous areas!”
