Just how is Israel going to celebrate its 60th anniversary? In style, that’s for sure. The following is from an article by Zvi Singer found on YNetNews.com. An IAF air-show, paratrooper demonstrations, largescale Woodstock style concerts, laser shows, and, of course, the traditional fireworks are all in store to help launch Israel’s 60th Independence Day celebrations. On the eve of Independence Day, May 7, a spectacular laser, music and light show will adorn Israel’s skies. Residents of Beersheba, Eilat, Haifa, Netanya, Tiberias, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ashdod will all be able to enjoy and marvel at this brilliant spectacle.

On Independence Day itself, Wednesday May 8, The Israeli Air Force will treat us all to an impressive air show and a fly-by across Israel’s skies. A huge paratrooper demonstration will also take place, as well as a naval review by the Israeli Sea Corps. Israeli President, Shimon Peres, will also hold a joint birthday party at his Jerusalem residence for all Israelis sharing a Hebrew-calendar birthday with the State of Israel.

The party does not end here, however. On the day following Independence Day, May 9, three huge anniversary parties will celebrate Israel’s Independence with the finest in Israeli music. The three massive concerts will take place, respectively, in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square as well as in Nitzanim Beach in the south and Achziv Beach in the north. Each of these concerts will be geared toward different age groups, and will feature different and unique musical styles.

Israel’s infrastructure will be getting a 60th anniversary makeover. A 60 kilometer (37 miles) path will be constructed in and around Lake Kineret, and 60 monuments for the casualties of Israel’s War of Independence will be renovated. A new state bike path, covering over 1,200 Kilometers (745 miles) will be opened, as well as 60 picnic sites complete with wheelchair access. Israel’s children also have cause for celebration with the opening of 60 new and uniquely designed playgrounds across the country. More unique projects include an exhibition and photo album to be presented in Yad Vashem in honor of the Holocaust survivors who have been such an invaluable part of the State of Israel during its 60 years of existence.

Though we may not be able to be in Israel on the exact anniversary date, there are celebrations taking place through out the 60th anniversary year. If you click on the Mercaz USA website and then click on Synagogue Trips to Israel, you will see all the trips by conservative synagogues that will be going to Israel this year to be a part of the celebration. Included on the list, is Congregation B’nai Moshe. Our synagogue trip will be leaving on October 26 and it will be a wonderful way to visit and party in our ancestral home on its special birthday. If you have not already decided to join us, do so.

Yom Huledet Sameach L’Eretz Yisrael: Happy 60th Birthday to the Land and the State of Israel.