Yom Ha’azmaut: Sydney
Following the sombre atmosphere surrounding Yom Hazikaron, Remembrance Day, which honoured the memories of over 23,000 who lost their lives in the defence of Israel with thousands more losing theirs to acts of terror, Sydney smiled again as the community celebrated Yom Haatzmaut, the 67th anniversary of the birth of the State of Israel.
IDF band entertains Photo: David Sokol/J-Wire
This year Sydney was treated to the incredibly talented IDF Band – 4 young Israeli stars in the making – who entertained us and had the audience singing and dancing with them at every opportunity.
Visiting the stalls Photo: David Sokol/J-Wire
Richard Balkin, president SZCNSW Photo: David Sokol/J-Wire
On the eve of Yom Haatzmaut the ZCNSW held its 5th Annual Gala “Speak Up for Israel” Dinner prepared by well-known chef Yossi Ben Dayan who travelled from Israel for the fourth consecutive year. Yossi prepared an outstanding Moroccan inspired meal and the IDF Band had the crowd standing up and singing with them at what was truly a night to remember.
The students in the day schools were also treated to the IDF Band on Yom Haatzmaut together with unforgettable presentations from the ZCNSW’s team of “Advocates” currently in Sydney and running extremely successful Zionism and advocacy classes for senior students in the high schools.
The Yom Haatzmaut Carnival and Solidarity Concert held at Moriah College on Sunday was a huge success and despite the torrential rain all week in Sydney, over 1500 of the NSW community turned out to show their support for Israel. There was something for everyone at the Carnival – all demographics were catered for – and to see the stage at the Solidarity Concert filled with young children singing and dancing with the IDF Band members was a sight to behold and will remain in the memory of the Sydney community long after this year’s very successful Yom Haatzmaut!
The event was organised by the State Zionist Council of NSW.
