Israel 60 Birthday Anniversary

Israel 60th Birthday

If you have materials you recommend we add to this page, please email: israel60@ujc.org.
Federation lay leaders and professionals can access federation-specific Israel @ 60 resources on the federation interoffice site here.

Educational and celebration materials

* Jewish Agency for Israel Education Department
JAFI is developing a very wide range of educational initiatives, materials and programs including educational kits, a bike ride, an Israel @ 60 shabbaton, curricula, Hebrew programs, a video archive, and much more. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the resource list.

* Prayers, sermons, poetry
The Spring 2008 edition of the UJC Rabbinic Cabinet’s The Orchard highlights Israel @ 60 and contains articles, sermons, sermon starter ideas, prayers, poetry and prose. The issue also includes a Jubilee Prayer and reflections on the work of JAFI and JDC over the last 60 years. Click here to download it.

* Passover reading – a fifth cup in honor of Israel @ 60
Click here to download a special reading called “The Cup of Redemption,” created by the rabbis of the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago to mark Israel @ 60 at your seder.

* Israel @ 60 Posters
Visit this site for a selection of posters - many of which are both beautiful and useful for educational purposes - celebrating Israel and the anniversary. Special kits with multiple posters are available. Contact Naomi at israelat60@gmail.com for more information.

* Israel @ 60 lapel pins
The Conference of Presidents has designed two different Israel @ 60 lapel pins, t-shirts and mugs. (Vew the pins. View the price list.) Contact Chloe Markowitz [chloe@conferenceofpresidents.org] for more information and to order.

* Upstart Ideas
Visit Israel Celebrates 60, a project of Upstart Ideas, a small Jerusalem-based consulting partnership. The site includes a number of good resources including a “best of Israel” page with well categorized links to information such as “Moments in Israeli History,” “Heroes & Leaders of Israel,” and “Intriguing Facts About Israel.

* BabagaNewz
A monthly Jewish classroom magazine for grades 4-7 that analyzes major news stories, religious holidays, cultural events and youth trends, will publish three Israel @ 60 supplements during the 2007/8 school year.

* Looking Back, Looking Forward/The UN Partition Plan
An American Jewish Committee-published booklet describing the landmark series of international agreements that gradually transformed the Zionist dream into the UN's recommendation that a state of Israel be established in part of the British Palestinian Mandate.

* A Dream Restored: Reflections on the UN Partition Vote
The introduction to an American Jewish Committee publication that includes works by noted Israeli political and cultural figures including Amos Oz, David Ben-Gurion, Chaim Weizmann, Moshe Dayan and Abba Eban.

* Israel 60 Posters, t-shirts, hats, flags, etc.
The King David Store is offering a variety of Israel @ 60 items for sale including posters, t-shirts, hats, flags,

* Customized chocolate gifts and favors
Sweetography can reproduce your Israel @ 60 logo or other picture, image, or message right on the surface of chocolate coins, lollipops and other items.

* ARZA/Reform Movement program guide:
ARZA has published a 133-page program and resource guide for an Israel @ 60 Shabbat and post-weekend activities.

Videos/Audio

* Israel Films
Go2films distributes Israeli and Jewish themed films - films that explore the social and multi-cultural aspects of life in Israel. View their list of films recommended for Israel @ 60-related events.

* Cool Facts About Israel
This compelling video blends catchy Israeli music and evocative images of the vitality of Israel, interspersed with facts about Israel's achievements in the arts, business, science and education. This video has been extremely popular on YouTube and other sites -- on YouTube alone, the first and second versions of the video have been viewed over 700,000 times as of early December, 2007.

* JAFI Makom videos
View two Yom Ha'atzmaut-related YouTube videos from Makom, JAFI's Israel Engagement Network. The first features Israelis in Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market talking about whether and why North American Jewish celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut. The second features remarks by Avram Infeld, president emeritus of Hillel, in a video called What are we celebrating? (Note: Initially the music in the second video overlaps Avram speaking. After a few seconds the music volume decreases.)

* Israel at 60, A Dream Restored
A video assembled by the American Jewish Committee: it features footage of the UN vote to adopt the Partition Plan, and comments by Ambassador Daniel Gillerman, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN; author Amos Oz, who reads excerpts from his book that capture the mood in Jerusalem sixty years ago; and AJC Executive Director David Harris.

* Shaping Israel's Image as it Turns 60
A podcast recorded during the 2007 UJC/Federation General Assembly: The Israeli Foreign Ministry has endeavored to change the public’s perception of Israel as a “warrior” -- even a righteous, reluctant warrior -- in favor of more appealing images that highlight Israel’s scientific progress, its archeology and the allure of its beaches. How successful has this branding initiative been, and what are its implications for advocacy and fundraising? Leading the discussion was Norm Goldstein, UJC Israel @ 60 Chair; Israel & Overseas chair, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. The panel of speakers were: Ido Aharoni, head of Brand Israel management team; Larry Weinberg, executive vice president, ISRAEL21C; Lee Dranikoff, Brand Israel; Sharon Bell, Jewish Federation of Nashville. For optimal audio, fast-forward to 4:37 into the recording.

* Israel in 3D
This is a set of three DVDs about the history, nature, landscapes and people of Israel – all presented in three-dimensional images. The package includes special glasses for viewing 3D. Individual sets and group screening arrangements are available.

* Hatikva
JAFI has developed an online “hands-on Hatikva” unit that helps users learn about the song, its lyrics and the melody.

Activities

* Live Hatikva
A global event that will take place on the 60th Independence Day of Israel, May 8. Jews all over of the world will join in simultaneously singing the Israeli anthem, “Hatikva.” Live Hatikva is a wonderful opportunity to unite in celebration the partnership of the Jewish people around the world with the people of Israel.

* Israel Is
Hadassah has provided its chapters with an Israel @ 60 program-in-a-box CD-ROM entitled 'Israel Is'. The program covers different aspects of Israeli life including technology, medicine, fashion, etc. Contact your local Hadassah chapter for more information.

* MyIsrael Video Competition
A Video Competition Marking Israel's 60th Year of Independence. Express how Israel has touched you. Share a viewpoint. Profile a friend. Ask tough questions. Reminisce about a trip. Contribute to an ongoing dialogue. The competition began at 12:01am on January 1, 2008 and end on February 29, 2008 at midnight. Upload your video to my.israel.org. First place gets -- what else? -- a special trip to Israel. Note: you must be 18-26 to enter the competition.

* 60th Anniversary Symposium in Jerusalem
The Truman Presidential Library is sponsoring an international symposium in Jerusalem May 29 - June 1, 2008 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the founding of Israel and President Truman's decision to recognize the fledgling Jewish State. Click to download the event itinerary, conference schedule and invitation letter.

* Celebrate 60! Walk the Land
Join communities worldwide who will be participating in Celebrate 60! Walk the Land. The Afikim Foundation, in solidarity with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, is undertaking this global project for the purpose of fostering a sense of worldwide unity in support of Israel. Jews of all ages and affiliations and other supporters of Israel will participate in local one-mile-long walks, lined with vinyl murals depicting Israeli cities and landmarks of interest. Official T-shirts, water bottles and sling backpacks with the Celebrate 60! Walk the Land logo will unify walkers worldwide. Information sheet | pdf with pictures of the murals, t-shirts, etc.

Art - Exhibitions/Performances

* AICF
The America-Israel Cultural Foundation (AICF) can recommend artists in the areas of music, art and design, dance, film and theatre for Israel @ 60 celebrations. The AICF was established in 1939 to promote, encourage and sustain cultural life in Israel and provides more than 1,100 scholarships and grants annually to gifted Israeli students, young professionals and cultural institutions. Contact David Homan at david@aicf.org for more information.

* Becoming Israel
A new program from Storahtelling, an organization that promotes Jewish cultural literacy through original theatrical performances and educational programs for multi-generational audiences. Using twenty-first century performance art techniques, Storahtelling brings personal contemporary meaning to 5,000 years of Jewish tradition. Connecting ancient myth with contemporary Jewish identity, Becoming Israel, examines the intersection between individual and collective memory. Becoming Israel was designed for adult and teen audiences. It features original music, adaptations of biblical text, historical narrative and audience interaction. Click here for more about this show including contact and booking information.

* The Israel Consulate in New York
The consulate offers a series of email newsletters, one of which includes a listing of upcoming cultural events and artists in North America. Although many events are in the New York and New Jersey area, some are in other parts of the country and, in some cases, special arrangements can be made. Click here to subscribe to the newsletter.
* Chai Folk Ensemble and Hora Jerusalem Dancers
Live music, song and dance. Click here to read about their Israel @ 60 availability.

* Golden Land Concerts and Connections
This booking agency for Jewish music and performers is planning to bring a number of Israeli artists to North America. See their general plan and also check their website.

* Mosh Ben Ari
Mosh Ben Ari, lead singer of the Israeli band Sheva, will be touring in North America in June and July 2008. Mosh plays various string instruments such as acoustic & classic Guitar, Indian sarod, Persian tar, Turkish jumbush, Moroccan ginberi and bass. His performance is a celebration of grove & spirit blending rock, reggae and world music with his unique voice. For more details please contact Dorit Kalev.

* Galilee Circus
In July 2007 the Galilee Circus, a Jewish-Arab youth circus based in Karmiel, Israel, hosted the St. Louis Arches performing troupe, part of a large youth circus program in St. Louis. The Galilee Foundation for Value Education Shorashim is open to discussing the possibility of bringing the Galilee Circus to North America for a tour to several communities, with either performances by the Galilee troupe, or joint performances with local youth circus troupes. This opportunity might be good for the Jewish community and/or as a community relations event. Contact Marc Rosenstein for more information. Galilee Circus overview | Galilee Circus diary | Galilee Circus and P2K

Speakers

* Israel at Heart
Israel at Heart is a not for profit organization that seeks to promote a better understanding of Israel and its people, primarily through speaking tours of groups of young Israelis.

* 60 on 60 - Sixty minutes on Israel @ 60
Israeli photographer/lecturer/tour guide Harel Stanton is available for North American presentations of this interactive multimedia slide show, which he describes as "a colorful celebration of the "Here and Now" in Israel. ... through the cultural scene of Tel-Aviv and the ancient alleys of Jerusalem, introducing you to the people that make up this extraordinary country and show you the beauty of the landscapes that will take your breath away." Thumbnails of the stunning images from his presentation can be seen on the description page for this lecture, and a smaller but more compellingly presented batch of them can be seen here.

* What Hitler Never Wanted You to See
Ann Weiss tells moving stories about the people and the photos about the Jews who went to build the Land of Israel and the Jews who yearned to go to Israel. Told through the photos mailed to loved ones, who carried them to Auschwitz when deported. Accompanying her speeches, book, talks and scholar-in-residence options is also the possibility of film screening, book signings and a traveling photographic exhibition. Click here to read about it.



Books / publications

* 60 Days for 60 Years: Israel 2008
Based on their successful 60 Days for 6 Million, published to coincide with Yom Hashoa 2005, Tribe UK is now publishing an inspiring commemorative and celebratory book to coincide with the State of Israel's 60 anniversary, 60 Days for 60 Years: Israel 2008. This book contains 60 inspirational essays from Jewish educators, historians, writers and scholars, and is dedicated to the sacred memory of the tens of thousands of soldiers who died defending the Jewish state, and to the thousands of civilian victims of terror. Download the flyer.

* A Dream of Zion: American Jews reflect on Why Israel Matters to Them
This new book features the insights of top scholars, business leaders, professionals, politicians, authors, media personalities, scientists, artists, and community and religious leaders covering the entire denominational spectrum of Jewish life in America today. Presenting a diversity of views, it prompts people of all ages and backgrounds to think about what Israel means to them and, in particular, help young adults jump start their own lasting, personal relationship with Israel.

* The Israelis: Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land
Simon & Schuster is publishing a special updated edition of The Israelis: Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land by Donna Rosenthal to celebrate Israel's 60th anniversary. The Israelis goes into barracks, bedrooms, boardrooms and playgrounds and lets Israelis smash stereotypes -- from students to soldiers, to high-techies, to Russians, Ethiopians, gays, ultra-Orthodox, non-Orthodox, Muslims, Christians and Druze. For more information: www.TheIsraelis.net. For Simon & Schuster bulk discounts and customized editions: TheIsraelis@gmail.com.

* Israel through My Lens: 60 Years as a Photojournalist:
This autobiography of the renowned Israeli photojournalist David Rubinger chronicles his 60-year career as a photojournalist in Israel with Time and Life magazines, and subsequently the 60-year history of the nation of Israel. Rubinger is a winner of the Israel Prize for services to the media and is the only photographer whose work is on permanent display at the Knesset, Israel’s legislature.


Film

* The Jerusalem Project
A world-wide dialogue-based learning initiative that helps geographically, culturally and religiously disparate members of the Jewish community better understand each other, themselves, and their shared history. The film portrays deep and meaningful conversations featuring stories about highly diverse young Jews from around the world to inspire and encourage conversations on issues of Jewish life, culture, and experience. The half-hour documentary pilot features five young Jews in New York and four young Jews in Jerusalem talking about the issues that face Jews today and what being Jewish means to them. Visit www.jewishreconnectionproject.org so see preview clips and contact Todd Schechter (917-553-7261) to arrange for a free screening.

* Ma'aleh School of Television, Film & the Arts Film Festival
The school was founded in Jerusalem in 1989 with the primary purpose of providing religiously observant Jews with the opportunity to receive the appropriate training that would prepare them to become engaged in the world of Israeli film and television production in a manner that is informed by the spirit of religious Zionism.
Bringing the festival to your community | Festival poster 1 | Festival poster 2

* Eyes Wide Open: American Jews Reflect on Israel
This a new documentary film that explores the complex relationship that American Jews have with Israel. Learn more about the film and find out how to arrange for a free screening in your community.

Exhibits

* Zion Ozeri Photo Exhibit
This photographic project is to coincide with Israel @ 60 and highlights the faces of the Israeli atypical and diverse family structure. The photographs are from different geographical towns & villages across Israel, mostly showing three to five generation families, who came from different countries around the world including India, Yemen, Morocco, USA, Argentina & Russia. View sample images and a bio.

* "Israel: 60 Years"
From art2art circulating exhibitions featuring sixty memorable photographs in both black-and-white and color by members of the acclaimed Magnum Photo Agency

* Dancing the Dream
Showcases a collaborative effort between DeDe Dance Company, one of the leading modern dance companies in Israel, and a group of youngsters from Hadassah Neurim Youth Village, a haven for Israel’s most disadvantaged youngsters who have been abused, neglected or on the fringes of society. The company, will tour the U.S.for a 2-1/2 week period following Passover through the 2nd week in May 2008 to coincide with Israel's 60th Anniversary. Information sheet including a link to a YouTube video.

* Macccabi Tel Aviv basketball team exhibit @ Basketball Hall of Fame
Israeli basketball powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv will be honored in an exhibit at the U.S. basketball Hall of Fame in May as part of Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations.

* Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington (download exhibit pdf)

Louis D. Brandeis: American Zionist
Sixteen framed panels describing Brandeis’ pivotal role in organizations that aided in the establishment of the State of Israel. The exhibition follows Brandeis from his youth to his role in organizations such as the Zionist Organization of America and Hadassah, describing his relationship with other influential Zionists.

Ties that Bind: Washington-Area Jews and the Birth of the State of Israel
This exhibition chronicles the involvement of the Washington Jewish community in the struggle for Jewish statehood. Twenty-six hanging panels.

Don’t Whisper a Prayer, Sing Aloud a Song of Peace: Yitzhak Rabin in Washington, 1968-1973
The exhibition chronicles Prime Minister Rabin’s life and work in the nation’s capital. Many of the photographs taken by White House photographers. Created in cooperation with the Embassy of Israel. 25 framed photographs.

* Unknown and Other Stories
51 original drawings from the first illustrated novel by the Israeli comic-strip artist Rutu Modan. Click here for a release about the exhibit.

* Art of the State, Photography and Video Art from Israel
In the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam.

* Art Blue and White
Art events from 972art for Israel @ 60. Read a letter and brochure about the events listed below.

Blue and White
Leading Artists using the colors of the Israeli flag in their creations

Avraham Hay: Face to Face: Israeli artists in their studios
Photography

Zvi Lachman: Portraits of Israeli poets

Divine In.tent
70 art tents addressing the meaning of tradition and religion

Artists Messengers of Peace
50 art works about peace and war - Eretz Israel Museum original issued day envelopes and prints on canvas

* Symbolic Architecture: Doors of the Jewries
90 images of exterior doors, intimate spaces and sacred spaces in the 21 cities belonging to the Network of Spanish Jewish Quarters.

* Essence of Spain
63 black and white photographs of the 21 cities belonging to the Network of Spanish Jewish Quarters.

Other Israel @ 60 websites
*
IsraelBirthday.com

* Israel @ 60 site from the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations (COP)
* Israel @ 60 events at universities (Israel on Campus Coalition)
* Israel @ 60 site from the Conservative movement (MERCAZ USA)
* Israel @ 60 participation details from the Reform movement (ARZA)

* The Persistence of Vision: Israel at 60
This blog brings together five writers -- David Breakstone, Gil Troy, Barry Leff, David Brinn and Neil Lazarus -- to blog about the vision at the heart of the ideal of Israel. Their postings are intended to spur an online discussion about the dream of Israel, the development of Israel, and the future of Israel. The site is an initiative of the World Zionist Organization’s Department for Zionist Activities.

Israel embassy and consulate contact information and materials can be found here.


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