Spring has FINALLY arrived in New York and we don’t know about you, but we are feeling pretty festive over here in the Kveller offices. While we are always happy to find a reason to celebrate (and eat doughnuts!), Yom Ha’atzmaut—Israel Independence Day–is a particularly good reason to bust out your party hat.
To help you get in an equally festive mood, we’ve put together a list of ways to celebrate Israel’s birthday in New York. So pack up the kids, head on out, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to eat some falafel. Mmm…falafel!
Brooklyn
Hadag Nahash and Matisyahu Concert
Call the babysitter. Israeli band Hadag Nahash joins forces with Matisyahu in celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Congregation Beth Elohim, 274 Garfield Pl.
Sunday, April 26, 7 p.m.
Long Island
Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration
Sing, dance, and march in a parade to celebrate Israel Independence Day. Free and open to all. Best for toddlers and preschoolers. RSVP requested.
Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, 25 Country Dr., Plainview
Thursday, April 23, 9-10 a.m.
Sifriyat Pijama-Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration
Games, music, and family fun with carnival and pony rides, games, Israeli treats, Hebrew story hour, and kosher food vendors including the Shakshuka Truck, Green Olive, and Hunkis of Plainview. Free and fun for all ages.
Temple Beth Sholom, 401 Roslyn Rd., Roslyn Heights
(Parking is also available at Roslyn Middle School, 375 Locust Ln.)
Sunday, April 26 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Happy Birthday Israel
Celebrate Israel’s 67th birthday with PJ Library story time, cookie decorating, crafts, Israeli dancing, and lunch. Free. For children ages 8 and under. RSVP requested.
Congregation Beth Emeth/Central Synagogue, 430 DeMott Ave., Rockville Centre
Sunday, April 26, 12-2 p.m.
Manhattan
Upper West Side Celebrates Israel: Party by the Shore
The Boat Basin will be transformed into a little slice of Israel with kids’ activities, Israeli food, music, and drinks (for the grown-ups). RSVP requested but not required.
West 79th Street Boat Basin Cafe @ Riverside Park, Upper West Side
Thursday, April 23, 5-8 p.m.
Family Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration – Make Hebrew Art
Take an imaginary journey through Israel guided by artist David Moss and create an original piece of art. RSVP encouraged. Free.
Congregation Ansche Chesed, 251 West 100th St, Upper West Side
Sunday, April 26, 10-11:30 a.m.
Shirim Le’Yeladim – Israeli Songs for Kids
Sing and dance in Hebrew led by Shira Averbuch and Yonatan Gutfeld. For children ages 1-6, RSVP requested. Free.
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, 270 W 89th St, Upper West Side
Sunday, April 26, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Westchester
Yom Ha’atzamaut Celebration
Enjoy an Israeli buffet dinner and kick up your heels with Israeli folk dance instructor Danny Pollock.
RSVP required.
Temple Beth Abraham, 25 Leroy Ave., Tarrytown
Wednesday, April 22, 7 p.m.
JLiFE Kasakove Play Date
Celebrate Israel’s birthday with crafts, ride-on toys, Israeli food and pizza, blue and while treats, and a PJ Library story. Free. RSVP required.
Beth El Synagogue Center, 1324 North Ave, New Rochelle
Wednesday, April 22, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Backyard BBQ-Israel Independence Day Celebration
An Israeli-style celebration with a BBQ, Israeli treats, a Ga-Ga pit, playground time, balloon-making, music, and more. Fun for all ages. RSVP requested but not required.
Rosenthal JCC, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville
Sunday, April 26, 4 – 6 p.m.
