Israel’s celebration on the Mall- BORING.
Sorry , but leave it to our Federation to take such a joy filled simcha as Israel’s 60th and make it boring.
Sure there was Jews for Jesus attempting to draw people in. Happy to report they looked quite lonely, and the mobile outdoor billboard promoting the Palestinian thoughts of Israels 60th. All that is expected, but I was expecting Israeli music coming from the mall site, loud and clear for all other to hear and enjoy. I was expecting joy filled dancing all around the site rather than cramped into one tent. I was expecting Mandy Patankin , a wonderful performer, to try and learn to sing a few Hebrew songs rather than yiddish- how Vus Vus can you get.?! Israel is about many languages all eventually melting into our Hebrew mother tongue.
Maybe it would have been better to have invited the entire Jewish community to Tikvat Israel when we had our BBQ celebration last month that was weather threatened, yet had more spirit and joy than what I saw yesterday, although I am not surprised at all. What a contrast to being in Israel last year for the 59th to see families BBQing everywhere, hear music in the streets and see people dancing everywhere. I fully comprehend this is not Israel, but come on, try not to be typically boring.
Sorry. I guess at age 64, I am looking for Jewish lively, spirited and fun and it was not there.
– Avrum Ashery (posted with permission by JK)
