The Tampa JCCs and Federation will hold a curated day of free events, Israel Through A Lens, to honor “Israel in many creative and cultural fashions.”
The day of virtual events, which starts at 12:30 p.m. on April 18, honors the independence of Israel on May 14, 1948, when the Israeli Declaration of Independence was publicly read by David Ben-Gurion, the first prime minister of Israel.
“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate Israel with our community, and beyond Tampa Bay, with the help of our virtual cinema and platforms such as Zoom,” said Brandy Gold, Tampa JCCs and Federation’s Arts & Culture director. “It is an extraordinary opportunity to be able to present a communal celebration such as Israel Through A Lens which showcases the many Israeli cultural opportunities that are available for us all to enjoy.”
Below is a schedule of the virtural events on April 18. For more information or how to register for the free events: https://www.jewishtampa.com/jewish-federation-events-iid
At 12:30 p.m. EST, the day will kick off with Israeli famed photographer and educator Udi Goren as he takes viewers on a magnificently documented journey of the Israel National Trail. The project brought Mr. Goren on multiple international speaking tours and culminated in the publication of his book, A Walk of the Land: A Photographic Journey of the Israel National Trail. At completion of the virtual montage, Mr. Goren will join participants in a Q & A session to discuss his journey, his photographs and celebrate the beauty of Israel.
At 1 p.m. EST, participants will learn about Innovation Through Creative Medicine, which will present the medical clowns from Samson Assuta Ashdod Hospital; Ashdod is Tampa’s sister city in Israel. Learn the unique process of how medical clowns provide intensive care for the soul by deflecting anxiety and stress through the art of clowning around. Meet the clowns and medical director of Assuta Ashdod in this one-hour informative and interactive conversation.
At 2:15 p.m. EST, meet Sara Gelbard, author of The Sound of Her Voice, as she presents the story of her experience growing up on one of the first kibbutzim in Israel and how she was forced to repress her individuality and the self-expression of a normal childhood. This book sensitively follows her personal journey through life from Israel to New York and Uruguay and gives voice to how she finally created a home for herself and in her heart and healed what she lost. Q & A will follow the presentation.
At 3:30 p.m. EST, join the Jewish Rock Radio (JRR) All Star Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration! Get the entire family up on their feet. Decorate with balloons, dress the kids in blue and white and display your Israeli flags. This is a one-hour filled, action packed concert directly into your home.
At 5 p.m. EST, wind down with the award-winning Israeli film Breaking Bread. The movie download will be available for 24 hours beginning at 5 p.m.
The day’s events are supported by the Israel Engagement Fund: A JCC Association of North America Program Accelerator, made possible by the generosity of several committed donors.