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An Israeli Yom Ha’atzmaut in Joburg
Gold Reef City was turned into a Yom Ha’atzmaut festival park last Thursday afternoon, and those who made the effort to be there celebrated as they would have done in Israel.
JORDAN MOSHE
“Here, I feel the way I would on the streets of Tel Aviv, Haifa, or Beersheva, celebrating with Israelis. You have made a small Israel far away from Israel,” said Israeli Ambassador Lior Keinan, as he welcomed people to the festivities.
The amusement park hosted this year’s community celebration, booked out by the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) for a day of thrills to celebrate Israel turning 71.
“Many people from the embassy are here today, on perhaps the most difficult day to be outside of Israel,” said Keinan. “But here, you don’t notice that you’re not there. If you come here as an Israeli and close your eyes, you think you are in Israel.”
Keinan expressed gratitude to the South African Jewish community of behalf of Israel, thanking local Jewry for its support of the Jewish state. “In 71 years, Israel has done marvellous things, but I don’t think we could have done it without you, the Jews of communities like South Africa. You are a marvellous ally, no matter what Israel is facing”.
Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein said that on a day like Yom Ha’atzmaut, our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude, be we Israeli or South African.
“Generations of Jews that came before us couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have a sovereign Jewish state,” he said. “We live in a generation with an independent and thriving state of Israel. That is indeed a blessing. We give thanks to Hashem for this day.
“We give thanks to all those brave Israelis who have sacrificed so much, given their lives, and dedicated themselves to this cause. We remember our soldiers who have fallen and their bereaved families, as well as our brave brothers and sister in Israel for all that they do on a daily basis to make this dream a reality for us all.”
The fact that the event took place on a workday afternoon just after election day might have affected the turnout. However, those who were there made up for it with energy and enthusiasm.
The central plaza was full of guests enjoying kosher fare prepared on-site by one of several kosher restaurants who had set up for the day. To the tunes of DJ, Ronen Bar, the community enjoyed a hearty shawarma and other Israeli food.
Pupils from the three King David schools performed electric dance routines, quick-stepping to Israeli hits like Netta Barzilai’s Eurovision-winning number, Toy. In addition, pupils gave lively marimba and jazz performances, along with a spirited flag waving demonstration which would have been the envy of any street parade in Jerusalem itself.
Families enjoyed an afternoon of wild rides and delectable food, making it a Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration of which any Israeli would be proud.