The excitement is mounting as the community rallies in support of the  ISRAEL AT 60 Community-wide Celebration  

Sunday, April 6th from 12:00 to 5:00 pm   
Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ  85254
Daron & Ron Barness - Honorary Co-Chairs

Shlomit Aviram, event chair, reports that, to date, over 40 Jewish organizations and congregations have become sponsors for the ISRAEL AT 60 Celebration, under the auspices of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center and in partnership with the JCC Alliance for Israel, and the Federation’s Israel Center.  
 
Jewish day schools and religious schools are all gearing up for the event.  Students of all grade levels are preparing to participate in activities on April 6th using a special curriculum designed by the Bureau of Jewish Education.

It is estimated that over 10,000 people will attend the event.  This will be the biggest Jewish gathering in our community’s history.  What an incredible opportunity to show our support for Israel and foster pride in our Jewish heritage.

A sky-diving exhibition highlighting the Israeli, American, and Arizona flags will create excitement and provide an incredible backdrop for the festivities.  That is just the tip of the iceberg in a day filled with non-stop entertainment, a teen pavilion, a Maccabia sports competition, a “Ben Yehuda” market with local and Israeli street vendors, camel rides and a taste of Israeli cuisine. 

Aviva Avidan, a leading Israeli vocalist, will be headlining the ISRAEL AT 60 celebration.  She is known for her rich and varied repertoire which she delights audiences worldwide. 

Arik Davidov, soloist for the IDF Orchestra as well as a virtuoso trumpeter/shofar blower and Beny Silmen, a renowned bouzouki player and singer, will enchant and mesmerize the audience with their performance. 

A unique, hands-on exhibit, commissioned by the Jewish Agency, showcasing Israel’s 60 years of achievements in high technology, arts and the humanities, will amuse and educate young and old alike.   

Come and experience the inspiring entertainment, the delectable food, the vendors and the amazing exhibits, and, of course, the camel rides.

For general information about the event or to become a sponsor please call Shlomit, ISRAEL AT 60 Chair, at 602-410-1302 or via e-mail at shlomit2@cox.net.

Volunteers Needed! Sign-up Today!
Join the hundreds of volunteers that will be an integral part of the day. Volunteers can make a valuable contribution by helping to provide a safe and fun experience. No special skills are required to be a volunteer for the ISRAEL AT 60 Celebration. Gloria Rickerd, Volunteer Co-Chair, says that the assignments will be tailored to the volunteers’ skills and interests. Help is needed in the areas of planning, logistics, vendor recruitment, fundraising, kids' activities, entertainment, obtaining raffle prizes, hosting families for teen dance troupe from Israel, and manning booths on the day of the event. Plus, volunteers will have a day filled with fun while creating memories that last a lifetime.      

To volunteer, please contact Gloria Rickerd at 602-787-1661 or Al Linn at 480-860-9414 or email them at israel60volunteers@yahoo.com.

Meet the Barness Family Foundation Challenge!
The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix will be the major sponsor of the event. In addition, the Daron and Ron Barness Family Foundation has offered a $10,000 matching grant if another $20,000 is raised from the community. Likewise, numerous Jewish organizations have committed to develop and sponsor specific programs and offer volunteer hours. The Jewish News is a media partner.

Send your tax-deductible donation to:
JCC – ISRAEL AT 60
12701 North Scottsdale Rd., Ste 203
Scottsdale, AZ  85254