Celebrate Israel @ 75

By Harvey Cohen, IAC Co Chair

Please join the community on Sunday, March 26, 11:30 a.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Community Center as we celebrate Israel, our Jewish homeland. Preregistration is requested; the celebration is free. Register at https:// jfgn.regfox.com/celebrate-israel-at-75, so we know how many to plan for. Symbols of the 75th anniversary year run from diamond to platinum to gold. All three are fitting and all three touch the significance in our lifetime. Diamonds are forever as the saying goes. Platinum is a very precious metal. And gold brings to our lips the heartfelt song, “Jerusalem of Gold.” Truly, we cannot overstate the significance of the 75th birthday/anniversary celebration. And you are invited to be a part!

And, while the actual Yom Hazmaut date is the following month, the Naples community is at its largest in February and March, so it’s fitting we gather then to celebrate at our new home.

Chaired by Tracy and Michael Askotsky, and Cathy and Phil Zacks, a special time is guaranteed for the whole family with activities for children and adults. We recognize Israel still faces many challenges, so Celebrate Israel @ 75 is a time for happiness, fanfare and inspiration. Jane Schiff, chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, shares her birthday with the birth of the state of Israel and has graciously agreed to be our honorary chair.

The excellent Israeli Dance troop from Fort Myers will highlight our gathering, both in performance and teaching us to gently get up and dance. Yes, wear your dancing shoes. The children from Temple Shalom are preparing their songs and, as the future, inspire us through their sweet voices.

A Shuk of organizations and merchandise will be available. The first 500 people to attend will receive a free Kona Ice treat from the Kona truck! Delicious Israeli-themed foods are planned by the food truck, JewBan, so bring some gelt and your appetite.

To help fund the celebration, we have established a Friends of the 75th Celebration group, asking for donations of $75. There is a matching gift of $7,500 for this event. Please consider becoming a Friend by donation now at https://jfgn.regfox.com/friendscelebrate-israel-at-75.

Sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and the Israel Advocacy Committee, security is thoughtfully provided. We welcome everyone to the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center for the midday celebration. Register now for this free amazing event!