Israel @ 75 Events

In celebration of Israel at 75, The David H. Sonabend Center for Israel explores the country in a variety of ways. From music and dance to the future of Israel and a special Shalom Hartman Institute collaboration, we are looking at culture and issues from all angles.

Events will take place from late March to the end of June and include:

c.a.t.a.m.o.n Dance Group Presents Somewhere
We officially start our Israel at 75 celebrations with an evening of dance presented by c.a.t.a.m.o.n Dance Group, a collaborative dance group and cultural organization based in Jerusalem. They will be performing their piece Somewhere.
Wed, Mar 29, 7–8:30 pm

DUGRI, Let’s Talk Straight
In May 2021, a blunt Jewish/Arab rap-battle music video about history, war, family, trauma, and the Israeli-Palestinian reality went viral, serving as a mirror to society and evoking civil discourse on hatred, discrimination, and co-existence. From this phenomenon DUGRI was born, a social venture bringing Jews and Arabs together by creatively echoing a new, moderate Israeli-Palestinian narrative.

Israeli educator/creator Uriya Rosenman and Palestinian rapper Sameh SAZ Zakout share their mutual story and analysis of Jewish-Arab relations, a live performance of DUGRI’s songs, and engage in an open and honest conversation with all the hard-hitting issues. This is a unique opportunity to engage with deep questions about the current reality in a new and fun way.
Thu, Mar 30, 7–9 pm

A Battle of a State: Judicial Reforms, Protests, and Violence in Israel
We are bombarded by alarming headlines from Israel highlighting multiple judicial reforms and overhaul, masses in the streets protesting these proposals, and an uptick in violence from both Israelis and Palestinians. Come join The David H. Sonabend Center for Israel to hear from experts on the ground in Israel about the most current issues from a variety of angles. Professor Jonathan Rynhold, head of the political science department at Bar-Ilan University, will moderate a conversation between Yonatan Green, executive director of the Israel Law & Liberty Forum, and Rachel Azaria, CEO of Darkenu, former Knesset member and former Jerusalem deputy mayor. Come with questions and an open mind!
Mon, Apr 3, 1–2 pm

Shabbat Shabbang: Yom Ha’atzmaut!
We begin every Shabbat Shabbang in the lobby for rituals and appetizers. It’s a moment to come together as a Shabbat community and begin the process of letting go of the hustle of our week. From there we go off to our selected program rooms for a dairy meal, delicious wines, and an hour of stimulating conversations, artistic experiences, and illuminating learning opportunities. This shabbat will be all about Israel, with program options including concerts, talks, and lectures discussing Israel.
Fri, Apr 21, 7 pm
Registration link coming soon.

Sharim Zikaron
Join us for an evening of songs and remembrance for Yom Hazikaron, in memory of Israel's fallen soldiers and civilian victims of terrorism. This event will be conducted in Hebrew.
Mon, Apr 24, 7:30–8:30 pm

Israel at 75: Lihi Lapid in Conversation with Rabbi Joanna Samuels
To celebrate Israel’s 75th Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day), Rabbi Joanna Samuels, CEO of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, will join in conversation with Lihi Lapid. Lihi is a bestselling author, journalist, and speaker with a finger on the pulse of contemporary women’s issues, whose husband, Yair Lapid, was Prime Minister of Israel in 2022 and is currently Leader of the Opposition. We will discuss the strength of women, the unique challenges they face in Israel today, and how we can be better to ourselves, as well as Lihi's own journey in the political arena and motherhood. 
Tue, Apr 25, 7–8:30 pm

Lihi Lapid has written a weekly newspaper column in the Yediot Ahronot weekend edition for 15 years. She has written three bestselling novels—Secrets from Within, Woman of Valor, and I Can’t Always Be Wonderful—and a bestselling children’s book. Prior to becoming a writer, she was a professional news photographer.

The Current Moment: Israel at 75
Yehuda Kurtzer, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America and host of the Identity/Crisis podcast, and MK Merav Michaeli, leader of Israel’s Labour Party, will discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the current moment in Israel and the ways in which Israelis are responding to events as they unfold.
Wed, Apr 26, 7–8:30 pm

Who Are We? 120 Years of Art in Israel
Embark on a journey across key milestones in the story of Israeli art. A featured topic will be Israeli artists’ everlasting search for a collective identity: Israeli? Hebrew? Jewish? In these five sessions, taught by Gideon Ofrat, Ph.D., we will explore artwork from the early days of Zionism through post-Zionism; discuss pieces that are both local and global; and learn about the tension between the longing for modernism and the urgent commitments to place and time.
Thu, Apr 27 + 4 Wednesdays, May 3–24, 7–8:30 pm

Stand Up Comedy Night (in Hebrew)
Israeli comedian star Avi Nusbaum will celebrate a special night with the Israel community of the JCC. We can promise a full house of hysterical laughs!
Sat, May 13, 8:30–9:30 pm

The Paul Feig z”l Tikkun Leil Shavuot
We will hold an Israel @ 75 TAMUZ track to explore the unique reality of Israel in this moment and beyond.
Thu, May 25–Fri, May 26 

Special Conversation + Performance with Israeli Pop Sensation Harel Skaat 
Known simply as Harel, the Israeli singer and songwriter has won multiple “artist of the year awards” and sold out the biggest concert halls in Israel. He represented Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 with the song “Milim.” Harel has been singing and performing since he was a child. He will talk about his life, the songs that shaped his unique career, and perform some of his greatest hits.
Sat, Jun 10, 8:30–10:30 pm
Registration link coming soon.

Special Edition of TAMUZ (coming soon!)
TAMUZ, the Center for Israel’s magazine, highlights various aspects of Israeli culture, society, and politics. Each issue features different artists, chefs, and public figures, with op-eds and articles delving into a topic of note. At this pivotal time, as Israel turns 75, a special edition of TAMUZ, in partnership with the Shalom Hartman Institute, will explore what the future holds for the Jewish state. Click here to read previous issues of TAMUZ.