April 14, 2008 / 9 Nissan 5768
With Israel's 60th anniversary quickly approaching, the Jewish Agency has launched a wide range of exciting global initiatives. Highlights include:
International Aliyah Day
The Jewish Agency and Israel's Ministry of Immigrant Absorption have designated May 5th, 2008 as "International Aliyah Day" in honor of Israel's 60th Independence Day festivities. A number of group flights will arrive in Israel with new immigrants from all over the world - North America, France, Russia, Ukraine, Latin America and South Africa. In addition, numerous prospective olim will be arriving on programs intended to help them explore life possibilities in Israel.
Israel's newest citizens will be welcomed at a special gala ceremony in the presence of dignitaries, the chairman of the Jewish Agency, public figures, veteran olim and Israeli families who will guide the new immigrants as they become acclimated to life in Israel.
New immigrants who arrive on this date will be eligible for a variety of benefits: extra baggage allowance, a 60-day exemption from absorption center rental payments, free housing for young olim until their chosen absorption program begins, 60 hours of guided tours around the country, cultural activities, excursions and events and a series of information days devoted to education, employment and housing.
Independence Day "Happening" for Sderot and Gaza Perimeter Communities
All of the residents of Sderot and the Gaza perimeter communities are invited to a Jewish Agency sponsored "Happening" to be held in the Eshkol region on May 8th, Israel's 60th Independence Day. Activities for the whole family include games, sports, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, trampolines and rides. Popular performers will appear throughout the day. The event will be broadcast on Israel's national Channel 10.
Ride with Israel@60
In mid-May, riders from all over the world will join cycling legend Lance Armstrong on a 36 mile ride from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv as part of the state's 60th birthday celebrations. Three and six mile tracks will also be available. Along the way, there will be refreshment booths for the cyclists, as well as educational exhibits focusing on the social, communal and ecological challenges that Israel faces today. MASA participants will play an active role in this ride and many additional rides will take place throughout the entire year, all over the world. For example, some communities will organize their own independent rides while other communities will organize and host simultaneous Ride with Israel Days.
Hatikva@60
This unique project is aimed at introducing Israel's national anthem, Hatikva to Jews all over the world, conveying its contents and significance, and enable Jews worldwide to learn how to sing it. The Hatikva Project has teamed up with Israel's Channel Two Television, and on May 8 there will be videoconferencing sessions with communities and schools around the world.
The Jewish Peoplehood Shabbaton
The Shabbat between Israel's Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes Memorial Day and Independence Day in May 2008 has been designated as "Shabbat Am HaYehudi" – The Jewish Peoplehood Shabbaton, targeted at every Jew, in every setting. We seek partners in Jewish communities at regional and national levels, and invite Jewish communities, youth movements, and synagogues of all denominations to participate in local Shabbatonim. The Hillel organization has already joined this initiative.
Israel@Home
The Jewish Agency has developed an all-purpose educational kit filled with resources, including flags, maps, photos, and a CD, to name but a few. These props and triggers will include all the hands-on materials needed to create an "Israel Event" in any home around the world, together with a program plan and educational guidelines, and supported by a website.
Ivrit@60
In conjunction with Israel's 60th birthday, we are launching a state-of-the-art Virtual Hebrew Ulpan, with live weekly sessions via web-conferencing with an Israeli teacher, and supported by an accompanying resource package (textbooks and a CD).
Guest Artists and Speakers' Bureau
An online database of Israeli artists and speakers is accessible via the Jewish Agency's website, bringing shlichim and communities around the world into the loop of planned appearances of leading Israeli artists, and allowing them to initiate contact with both Israeli artists and speakers whom they wish to invite. The repository will include stage artists of all genres, categorized by area of specialization, with their contact information.
For further information and to sign up for any of the above activities visit www.60israel.org.