The largest Sacramento event to ever celebrate the creation of the modern state of Israel will be held at the west steps of the State Capitol on Sunday, May 11, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. But of course, this widely-celebrated, free-to-the-public event is considered a bit more special for many people, since it recognizes the 60th anniversary of this day in history.
It was at midnight on May 14, 1948 that the Provincial Government of Israel proclaimed the state of Israel, as a result of the official withdrawal of the British.
Here in the United States, news traveled fast, as Eliahu Epstein, head of the Jewish agency’s Washington office, passed along word regarding this significant moment in Jewish history to President Harry S. Truman.
In addition to passing along this news, Epstein requested that the United States recognize the new Jewish state through the following words: “With full knowledge of the deep bond of sympathy which has existed and has been strengthened over the past 30 years between the government of the United States and the Jewish people of Palestine, I have been authorized by the provisional government of the new state to tender this message and to express the hope that your government will recognize and will welcome Israel into the community of nations.”
It did not take President Truman long to respond, as he officially recognized the new state of Israel at 12:11 a.m., stating, “This government has been informed that a Jewish state has been proclaimed in Palestine and recognition has been requested by the provisional government thereof. The United States recognizes the provision government as the de facto authority of the new State of Israel.”
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the formation of the modern state of Israel and in an effort to increase the coordination and connection between local community organizations, the Sacramento event, which is officially known as “Salute to Israel,” was planned and scheduled.
At the helm of this planning was Noam Harel, Israel emissary of the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region and a liaison for the state of Israel in Sacramento.
Harel said that the Sacramento event will be especially gratifying, since it will also mark the culmination of many months of planning.
“We’ve been working to put this event together for almost a year now in honor of Israel’s 60th anniversary,” Harel said. “In recognition of this anniversary, we’re having a special display of Israel’s achievements and we’re bringing Israeli artists and Israeli music and a special ‘Second Sunday’ – as we call it – art walk with very nice historical posters. This will be a fun event with exciting activities for adults, teens and kids.”
Commenting on this special anniversary, Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo stated in an email reply to The Union, “Israel was created after World War II as a safe place for the Jewish community to rebuild and live in peace. This is an anniversary celebration of that event.”
And the celebration is expected to draw much attention, as thousands of people are anticipated to be in attendance to show their support for the state of Israel. In addition to being the largest Sacramento event to ever celebrate the creation of the modern state of Israel, the event will also be the most diverse and regional in its attendance.
With the desire to make “Salute to Israel” a more public event, its organizers carefully selected the event’s site and included some familiar faces, including Sacramento state Sen. Darrell Steinberg, the event’s emcee, and the popular radio show host, Lil’ Cee from the Sacramento radio station, 100.5 FM, The Zone.
Celebrating Israel’s independence, the gathering will begin at 1 p.m. with the grand opening event, the “Walk the Land Walk-a-Thon.” Escorted by musical groups and dancing, participants will walk a mile before culminating with the post-walk festival, which will include Israeli food, dance and music.
Attractions of the event include: Israeli folk dance, an Israeli martial arts demonstration, a unique art exhibit, Israel achievements and various other displays and booths, the Mini Street Market, the “Taste of Israel” Food Court, a Jewish Theatre presentation of “The Never Ending Greeness,” the Cool Teen Zone and the Fun Activity Area for kids.
An “Israel at 60” after-party for young adults, 21 years of age or older, will be held at Mason’s at the Park Ultra Lounge, 1015 L St., from 7 to 10 p.m. Featured at the event will be Israel’s mega hip-hop artist SHI 360 in a combined live performance with New Jersey-based hip-hop artist, Kosha Dillz. The cover charge for this event is $5.
Recognizing the opportunity for community members to observe differing views on the role that Israel plays in the Middle East, the event’s planners have worked diligently to present various cultural, social, familial, educational and spiritual experiences and opportunities that exist within Israel.
And although many community organizations have various reasons for supporting Israel, the event should prove to be a very special day as such organizations will unite to celebrate this notable day in Jewish history.
Dana Edelstein, president of the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region, said that this year’s “Salute to Israel” is a very important event that should not be missed.
“It is wonderful that so many people throughout our region attend this event and demonstrate their support for Israel,” Edelstein said. “I am proud that the Sacramento Jewish Federation is putting together the largest ‘Salute to Israel’ event in our history. You won’t want to miss it.”
For additional information about this event, visit the Web site www.jewishsac.org.
Read Union columnist Karen Russo by clicking here for more on Israel’s 60th Anniversary.