Extensive Israeli Independence Day Event To Be Held In Livingston Wednesday

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The public is invited to join in a flag-raising ceremony and series of events in celebration of Israeli Independence Day in Livingston this Wednesday beginning at 5:15 p.m.

At the start of the program, Sheri Goldberg will explain the Yom HaZikaron, which honors fallen victims of war and terrorism, followed by the Yom Haatzmaut program, which is the celebration of Israeli Independence Day.

The ceremony will take place near the flag pole in front of Livingston Town Hall, which is located at 357 S. Livingston Ave.

After the first presentations, these will be next:

• Rabbi Proops will sing El Rachamin, a plea that the soul of the departed be granted proper rest
• Cantor Fine will sing a Hebrew prayer for the Israel Defense Force
• Mayor Ed Meinhardt will welcome guests and participants
• Livingston Committee for Diversity & Inclusion Co-Chairs Alyse Heilpern and Saba Khan will welcome guests and participants
• Pastor Martian will say a prayer for Ukraine
• Rabbi Vaisberg will say a prayer for Israel
• Rabbi Cohen will say a prayer for the Israel Defense Force
• Rabbi Perolman will say a prayer for the United States
• Rabbi Klibanoff will discuss Yom HaZikaron, honoring fallen victims in both Israel and Ukraine
• At 6 p.m., a Siren will sound
• Following the siren, Rabbi Klibanoff will discuss the celebration of Yom Haatzmaut
• Cantor Fine will sing the United States National Anthem
• Cantor Fine will then sing the Hatikvah — the Israeli National Anthem — while the Israeli flag is raised
• Ellen Berkowitz, who runs Kochavim, an Israeli children’s dance group, will have the group perform two Israeli dances and will then lead the community in Israeli dancing

Following the community dancing, Israeli snacks and water will be provided.

This event is hosted by Livingston Celebrates Israel, which is a part of the Livingston Committee for Diversity & Inclusion.

Visit the Township website at www.livingstonnj.org, check the event’s Facebook or Instagram pages @LivingstonCelebratesIsrael, or email LivingstonCelebratesIsrael@gmail.com for more information.

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