Celebration of Israel
1,500 people gathered in Vancouver at the Centre for the Performing Arts to celebrate Israel's 61st Yom Ha'atzmaut (Independence Day).
The evening opened with an emotional and moving tribute by Geoffrey Druker to Israel's fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. After observing a moment of silence, Yom Hazikaron ended and Yom Ha'atzmaut began.
The audience was treated to a rousing presentation about Tel Aviv, in honour of the 100th anniversary of its founding. It was narrated by Megan Emanuel and Rachel Koffman and illustrated with images from the 'White City', as Tel Aviv is known. The JCCGV Or Chadash dancers presented an energetic piece choreographed by Brenly Rosenblatt and Jessica Casiro, the group's artistic directors.Popular Israeli world music group Gaya took to the stage and captured everyone's attention with their unique blend of cultural influences and infectious rhythms. Playing a mix of familiar favourites and contemporary songs, they inspired the crowd to dance and clap, culminating in a finale that drew the Or Chadash dancers back on stage to the sounds of Yachad, a song that has become a modern anthem of peace and hope.
See the photo gallery here.
Many thanks to Stephen and Allen Gaerber and the Yom Ha'atzmaut committee for making this wonderful celebration our community's largest and most anticipated annual community event.
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