Israel will celebrate 70 years of independence this year, and the Shaw JCC is set to mark this momentous anniversary with a community-wide celebration on Sunday, April 22. The Israel Festival includes delicious Israeli food, arts and crafts and fun activities for guests of all ages. The event is free and open to the public and co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Board of Akron and the Shaw JCC of Akron.

Uri and Gili Hershkovitz, a husband and wife team of Israeli emissaries serving the Canton and Akron communities, are coordinating the event. The theme is “Decades of Israel” with correlating activities for each decade throughout Israel’s 70 years of independence. A community mosaic art project and Israeli Shuk (street market) with local artisans featuring their work are highlights of this year’s program. 

Other activities include Israeli music, kids’ bouncy house, photo magnet booth, complimentary snacks, kids’ activities and face painting, Israel souvenirs, short Israeli film & history exhibit, raffles & prizes and Israeli meal catered by Efrat’s Café & Catering for only $5. 

The Israel Festival will be held 12:30-3:30 p.m. beginning with a memorial service (Yom HaZikaron) to honor Israel’s fallen soldiers followed by the Israel Festival celebration (Yom Haatzmaut). A teen after-party at the indoor pool will take place 4 to 5:30 p.m. 

All activities will take place at the Schultz Campus for Jewish Life located at 750 White Pond Drive in Akron. Free parking is available. For more information, call the Shaw JCC at 330-867-7850 or visit www.shawjcc.org.