By Julia Olson
Assistant Editor
The Cincinnati Jewish community will celebrate two Israeli holidays this coming week. On Sunday, May 12, the community will mark Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day. The day is set aside as an official day of remembrance for Israeli military members who gave their lives for the State of Israel. Those who died in the establishment of the state as well as those who lost their lives on active duty since will be honored for their sacrifice. The holiday was made official in the state of Israel in 1963. The memorial day has been expanded to honor both fallen soldiers as well as those who have been victims of terror. This year, the celebration of the event is especially meaningful as the Israel-Hamas war rages on in Gaza. The community will gather to celebrate Yom HaZikaron at the Mayerson JCC from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 12. Registration is available on the Mayerson JCC website.
The celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, will take place on Tuesday, May 14. This national Israeli holiday marks the day when Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, declared independence and established the state of Israel on May 14, 1948. A Cincinnati community celebration will take place at the JCC and includes numerous events and service projects. From 12:00 – 6:00 p.m., Cincinnati residents may donate blood in the JCC parking lot at the Hoxworth Blood Drive. From 4:30 – 7:00 there is a Mitzvah Fair in the Mayerson JCC gym. Attendees can take part in service projects offered by numerous Jewish organizations throughout Cincinnati. Food will also be available for purchase. The Yom HaAtzmaut ceremony takes place at the JCC at 5:00. Following that, the JCC will present the Humans of October 7th Exhibit. The photography of Erez Kaganovitz will be featured. In his artists’ statement on the JCC website, Kaganovitz says of his exhibit that the project “brings to light the human stories of the unique Israelis who stood up against evil. It shows the Israel D.N.A. at its best and shows the incredible spirit and resilience of the Israeli people.” Kaganovitz will speak about his work from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. after the Yom HaAtzmaut ceremony. The exhibit is currently on display in the gallery until Tuesday, May 14. More information and registration for Yom HaAtzmaut activities can be found on the Mayerson JCC website.
