This Sunday, May 12^th, at sundown marks the beginning of Yom HaZikaron, Israeli Memorial Day, followed by Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. Together, we move from remembrance to joy, joining our Israeli brothers and sisters, and Jews worldwide in honoring Israel's fallen soldiers and those who have lost their lives to terrorism, and celebrating Israel's milestone 76^th year of independence.

Explore resources and featured events

STORIES FROM FEDERATION'S SHLICHIM

Each year, Federation brings Shlichim (Israeli emissaries) to Greater Washington to connect with our community and transform our relationship with Israel. Below are a series of reflections written by our Shlichim to commemorate Yom HaZikaron and celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut.

About Peoplehood and Resilience

"As we approach the time to commemorate the lives lost on Yom HaZikaron and celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut, finding words to encapsulate my feelings is a daunting task."

Read more from Abraham Belilty, Shaliach to Shaare Torah

On Yom HaZikaron

"I struggle with Yom HaZikaron every year, especially because I feel like the transition to Yom Ha'atzmaut the next day is too quick."

Read more from Avia Halevi, Federation Educational Engagement Shlicha

The Day I Started Wearing my Magen David

"Since I joined the shlichut (a program of Israeli emissaries with Federation), I started a journey — one that was changing the way I view Judaism and the place Judaism holds in me."

Read more from Dean Bagdadi, Shaliach to Pozez JCC of Northern VA

Mi'Shoah Le'Tkuma

"I remember the sentence one of my beloved teachers once told me: “The Israeli Yoms embody the idea of Mi’Shoah Le’Tkuma, which means 'from the dark days of the Holocaust we move to rebirth and resurrection.' This joy mixed with sadness is, in a way, the essence of Israeli life."

Read more from Snir Holtzman, Shaliach to Temple Emanuel

JxJ Jewish Film and Music Festival Kicks Off This Week!

Presented by Federation partner, Edlavitch DCJCC, the JxJ Film and Music Festival explores a diverse slate of 60+ in-person screenings, concerts, and artist talks at locations in DC, Bethesda, MD, and Fairfax, VA. (Use the promo code FEDERATION for $3 off the price of admission for any of the 16 Israeli films, Israeli student film shorts, or Israeli contemporary dramatic film shorts.)

Browse the full lineup and purchase tickets

» Thursday, May 9 – Sunday, May 19

Israel Family Festival and Yonina Concert

Celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) at Ohr Kodesh Congregation with an Israel-themed festival, including food and kids activities, followed by a concert with Israeli duo, Yonina. Proudly supported by Federation and co-sponsored by Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, Ohev Sholom Congregation, Ohr Kodesh Congregation, and Washington Hebrew Congregation. 

Register here

» Tuesday, May 14 | 5:00 PM

Israel at 76 Birthday Celebration

Experience an authentic Israeli Independence Day with Federation partner, Bender JCC. Immerse yourself in Israeli culture with free food and wine samples, shopping at an Israeli marketplace, live music and dance, and more!

Register here

» Sunday, May 19 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Taste of Israel

Join Federation partner, Pozez JCC of Northern VA, for a tasty celebration of Israel's 76^th year of independence, featuring delicious Israeli cuisine and a variety of fun activities. All ages are welcome.

Register here

» Sunday, May 19 | 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM

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The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
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