Celebrations of Israel's 60th Anniversary Begin Next Week

PITTSBURGH, May 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pittsburgh's largest Israel event of the year occurs next week when the community celebrates Israel's 60th Anniversary, Yom Ha'atzmaut 2008, Thursday, May 8, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the campus of Community Day, Forward at Beechwood Ave, Squirrel Hill.

Thousands of people are expected to attend this annual festival, organized and sponsored by the United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh.

One of Israel's most popular youth music groups, Strong Black Coffee, will be the featured performers. The group is comprised of five Ethiopian youths who emigrated to Israel when they were very young children. They will share with Pittsburgh, through music, their personal stories and experiences. They mix Ethiopian melodies and Hebrew and Amharic texts with contemporary R&B and Hip-Hop melodies.

"Since we are celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary, this year's Yom Ha'atzmaut will be extra special," said Maymon Pe'er, Pittsburgh's Community Shaliach (cultural emissary). "Many volunteers from throughout the community are currently involved in planning specifics around Yom Ha'atzmaut," he added.

Pe'er said the flavor and tone from last year's event, which drew an estimated 5,000 people, will be recaptured. The festive, family-oriented celebration will feature children's activities, folk dancing, an Israeli Shuk (shopping bazaar), food vendors, a special photo exhibit, and a program featuring teens from Pittsburgh's sister community of Karmiel and Misgav.

In addition, a special exhibition, direct form Israel, entitled, "60 Years of Israeli Achievement" will make its Pittsburgh debut at Yom Ha'atzmaut 2008.

The exhibition highlights the achievements of Israel in the areas of industry and economy; design; technology and science; nature and the environment; democracy, agriculture; health and quality of life; and culture and entertainment.