Happy birthday, Israel!
Israel reached a milestone birthday this week, marking its 70th year of independence. Hillel students across the country celebrated with lively parties, Israeli food and movie screenings. Check out some of the events:
Hillel at Georgia Tech
Hillel at Georgia Tech brought a taste of Israel to campus with its annual Israel Fest celebration. At the ’70s themed party, students received a mock Israeli passport to document their ‘travels’ across the country, which included a visit to the Dead Sea and a camel ride in the Negev Desert.
Hillel at Florida International University
Students celebrated Israel with five days of activities, including an Israeli-themed Shabbat and a viewing of Conan O’Brien’s adventures in Israel. Hillel at FIU also hosted Layla Lavan, modeled after the popular Tel Aviv White Night, which features concerts, food and exhibitions.
Northeastern University Hillel
Northeastern University Hillel kicked off its monthlong celebration of Israel by welcoming Artists4Israel, an arts-based humanitarian aid and advocacy group, to campus. Members of Artists4Israel customized spray painted T-shirts for students and created a 10-foot-tall mural, complete with the Northeastern mascot Paws and an Israeli flag.
Hillel of Greater Metrowest
With Israeli flags in hand, students gathered at Montclair State University to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut. The event featured a recreation of an Israeli shuk and a performance by Israeli mentalist Ran Gafner, who placed first in the mentalism category at the European Championship of Magic in 2015.
Penn State Hillel
To celebrate Israel’s 70th birthday, Penn State Hillel students participated in monthlong activities on campus, including an interfaith Shabbat dinner and a screening of the film “Ben Gurion, Epilogue.” Students also attended the fourth annual iFest, featuring mud from the Dead Sea, cups of Aroma Coffee and virtual-reality goggles.
Cincinnati Hillel
Cincinnati Hillel transformed its building into the lively city of Tel Aviv to celebrate Israel’s birthday. The event featured Israeli music, a photo booth, and of course, Israeli food.
American University Hillel
American University Hillel partnered with other campus organizations to throw a party for the State of Israel. During the four-hour celebration, students enjoyed Israeli food and music as well as learned about Israeli history and innovation.