Michael-Ann Russell JCC Celebrates Israel’s 63 Years of Achievements

April 18, 2011 - PRLog -- On Monday, May 9, the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center located on the Sanford L. Ziff Campus, 18900 NE 25th Avenue, North Miami Beach, will celebrate the 63rd Birthday of the State of Israel, and the significant achievements it has contributed in the areas of science, medicine, technology, art, agriculture and more.

“In recognition of these momentous achievements” says Israel 63 Chair, Evelyn Faigenblat, we will present thematic activity stations that demonstrate these achievements, and will offer lectures by Israeli universities that will highlight examples of these accomplishments, and how they have impacted the rest of the world.”

“With 30 different community organizations, agencies, day schools, and synagogues actively participating, there will be many different attractions offering a variety of activities for children and families to enjoy,” notes Dror Gershoni, Community Shaliach and Israel 63 Coordinator.

Drawing upon the theme of 63 years of Achievements, this year’s 1.3 mile Solidarity Walk for Israel, is focused on Israel’s contributions to the world. The Walk will be lead by Consul General of Israel, Ofer Bavly, beginning at 5pm, following, there will be a Torch Lighting Ceremony at 6 pm that transitions from the mourning period of ‘Yom Hazikaron’, Israel Memorial Day - to ‘Yom Ha’atzma’ut’, Israel Independence Day.

This year’s, main attractions will feature two Live Concerts by performing groups arriving directly from Israel. The Ethiopian Israeli Scouts will perform an Outdoor Concert at 7pm, and Al Habama- the official performing group from the city of Herzliya, will perform in the Scheck Family Gymnasium, with doors opening at 8pm. Additionally, an Art Exhibit featuring local Israeli Artists will be on display inside the MAR-JCC during the week of the event. An Israeli-style glatt kosher food court will be available.

In addition to all the festivities, efforts will be made to help stamp out hunger in Miami with a canned food drive. “We will put hunger in Miami on the map, by collecting cans of food and creating a map of Israel with these cans. All donations will be delivered to the JCS Kosher Food Bank, which helps feed hundreds of individuals and families each month in Miami,” Dror  explains.

Overflow parking for Israel 63 will be available at Hillel Community Day School and Temple Sinai adjacent to the MAR-JCC on NE 22nd Ave., For more information about this FREE event, please contact Dror Gershoni, at 305-932-4200 x128.

Israel 63 is supported by 30 different participating organizations including Alexander Muss High School in Isrel; Aliya Center of the Jewish AGency for Israel; American Associates Ben Gurion University of the Negev; Amerian Friends of the Hebrew University; American Technion Society; Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center; BBYO; Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus; Beit David Highland Lakes Shul; Boys Town Jerusalem; Cinter for the Advancement of Jewish Education; Chabad Chayil; Chabad Russian Center of South Florida; Consulate General of Israel; Friends of the Israel  Defense Forces; Greater Miami Region of Hadassah; Hillel Community Day School; Hillel Second Generation; Israeli Scouts-Shevet Almog; Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation;    Jewish Commuity Services of South Florida; Naamat; North Dade/Aventura Branch of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation; PJ Library of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation; Skylake Synagogue; Temple Sinai; USY; Women’s International Zionist Organization (WIZO); and Young Judea.

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The Michael-Ann Russell JCC is dedicated to the enrichment of Jewish life, representing a model of acceptance, understanding and diversity. The MAR-JCC is a beneficiary agency of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, and United Way of Miami-Dade.