Winnipeg's Jewish community has always strived to host very inclusive and child-friendly events which strengthen the connection of young people to our community. This year’s Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration to mark Israel's 66th birthday was a perfect example of a child-friendly event that was also fun for all ages,  including teenagers and adults. The event was held at the Rady Jewish Community Centre on Tuesday, May 6^th and lasted from 4:00 pm almost non-stop until 10:00 pm. The activities ranged from games and photo booths to dancing and fireworks.

The event began with a variety of booths for kids in the gymnasium , all of which had some sort of Israeli theme. There was an Israeli Pop Star themed booth in which there were teen volunteers playing music, and there was a Scientists of Israel booth where the kids could try out different scientific experiments. There was also an Israeli Art Station where children could paint and decorate their own tiles at a “Kotel” for them to visit.

As well, there were different games where the children could earn Israeli  shekels from playing. They could then go to the makeshift Shuk (market) booth where they could use their hard-earned shekels to buy different toys. In additio to the Israeli themed booths there was also a glitter-tattoo booth, an airbrush hat booth, and a photo booth with costumes.

BBYO Connect was also present with participants of Cookies for a Cause. The  volunteers sold their freshly-made and decorated cookies. All of the proceeds that were made will be donated by BBYO to charity.

As well, there were  jewellery stations, where Vendors sold a wide-range of beautiful jewellery, including many pieces made in the classic Israeli silver style. There were also other booths ncluding tables and games lined up near the gym.

Miss Yom Ha’atzmaut wthis year was Tiffany Reider. Last year Ilana Elbaze was given the honour.

There was a huge line up at Shmoozers  where families ordered dinners of  delicious Israeli style food with pitas here and pitas there. (This had to be one of the most profitable nights of the year for Shmoozers). Many new immigrant  families from Israel attended the Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations.   

After dinner, families moved back into the gym for a period of enthusiastic dancing led by Barry Kay and the Cherry Tree Productions Dream Team. This kept the evening at an energetic level and really involved the kids despite the long day.

The very talented Sarah Sommer Chai Folk Ensemble then performed and as always their dances and singing were flawless and greatly enjoyed. Near the entrance to the campus there was also a very neat display of Israeli clothing on mannequins which was part of an exhibit about the Chai Folk Ensemble in an area designed by Maxim Berent just outside the Berney Theatre.

After the dancing the Yona Choir (led by Lina Streltsov), the Brock Corydon school choir and the Gray Academy elementary choir performed songs. The evening was then brought to a close when the everyone rejoined outside to watch the fireworks that were set off in the sports field, which was a very successful way to end the event. Fireworks are set off all throughout the major cities in Israel to mark Yom  H'atzmaut. 

Overall, this year’s Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration was one of the most successful ones I have ever attended and the standards set for next year have now been raised even higher.