This report is coming late because the reporter has been swamped, out of town and under the weather.
Nevertheless, it is worth telling about the Albuquerque Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations. With all the controversies, strife, bad statistics, dire warnings of alienation between American Jews and Israel, and all that negativity, here is a piece of positivity: The Albuquerque Jewish community held its annual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration on April 29. There was food, music, dancing, displays, a photography exhibit, a presentation by Friends of the IDF, children’s activities and a Sheshbesh tournament. It was really nice and well attended, even though it was a Wednesday night. The celebration started with an observance of Yom HaZikaron, for the first time at a JCC celebration. Unfortunately, due to camera problems, this is the only video from the whole day’s events. Here is where we sang HaTikva. Not too shabby! Leading the singing is Cantor Barbara Finn of Temple Albert.
Before the JCC celebration, the Israel Alliance student group held a mid day Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration and Yom HaZikaron observance at UNM. It was well attended–especially the free food part–and several people came expressly to take part in the Yom Hazikaron observance. We played the two minute siren as loud as we could get it on a laptop, and a few people realized what it was and stood in silence. We stood outside at the Student Union Building mall, near the Israeli Flag, in front of the Yizkor candles and prayed Yizkor. It could have been smoother, it could have been more organized, it could have been better led. But still, it was too cool.
After the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration outside, two IDF representatives from Friends of the IDF came to the Student Union Building with a presentation, and a question and answer period. The soldiers fielded every question, and there were many, with poise, honesty and directness. It was an excellent presentation.
The soldiers also came to the JCC celebration and helped with the children, taking advantage of the opportunity to teach young people rather than just arguing with older people!
Jewish communities across the country held similar celebrations. Sure we have our left wing crazies who wear kefiyas and make stupid apologies in front of Arab rallies, our confused students and so on, but American Jews haven’t deserted Israel, by any means.
