Title
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the foundation of the State of Israel.
Body
On the 14th of May, 1948, in Tel Aviv, the fifth day of the month of Iyar on the Jewish calendar, Jewish leaders gathered in Tel Aviv to sign the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel and
WHEREAS, In only 75 years, the Israeli economy has become a leader in technology, medicine, and agriculture and the nation has developed a lasting friendship with the United States based upon shared values and mutual admiration; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has been home to a thriving Jewish community since the late 17th Century. The community is represented, in all its diversity, by an array of organizations including the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey, the Anti-Defamation League of Philadelphia, and the Israeli American Council of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia also has the distinction of being home to the National Museum of Jewish American History which was founded in 1976 by members of Congregation Mikveh Israel, the oldest continuous formal Jewish congregation in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Since 1966, Tel Aviv and Philadelphia have been sister cities, building lasting ties through cultural, political, and educational exchanges. The cities have come to share international status as hubs for tourism, culture, and innovation; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Michael Nutter traveled with a Philadelphia delegation to Tel Aviv in 2013, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, to foster positive relationships with leadership in Israel and encourage Israeli investment in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Over 350,000 people who identify as Jewish live in the Greater Philadelphia region making the Philadelphia metro area the third-largest population of Jews in the country. The community will celebrate the Jewish state’s 75th Anniversary with cultural and philanthropic events throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, Israel’s anniversary celebration will begin with a Community Mitzvah Day on April 23rd, that will bring family and friends out for a day of good deeds and giving back in honor of Israel. There will be volunteer opportunities offered by organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia and focus on areas of interests including social justice, food insecurity, poverty, older adults, conservation and restoration, arts and culture and lone soldiers. Various Shabbat gatherings will be led by local synagogues, organizations, and schools with the Jewish Federation’s neighborhood Kehillot; and
WHEREAS, The celebrations will culminate with the Taste of Israel Festival that will explore a deeper understanding of Israel by showcasing Israeli culture through the history and celebration of the culture, people and food of Israel. The festival will include a tasting area and cooking demonstrations by five-time James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov and other top local chefs and performances by the renowned Jewish male a cappella group Six13; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia will formally celebrate Israel’s anniversary with a ceremonial flag raising on May 11th outside of City Hall, where various officials will join the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia in celebration of Israel’s foundation in 1948; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA That this body
hereby acknowledges and celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the foundation of the State of Israel.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia as a testament to the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End