Israel is turning 60 on May 8th. In commemoration of this historic milestone, a variety of activities designed to explore and celebrate this fascinating country and culture have been put together. Events occur at a variety of times and offer unique ways to approach Israel.

ALL WEEK (AND THE REMAINDER OF THE SEMESTER)

Israel Photo Gallery–360 photographs covering 18 facets of Israel in the Commons photo gallery spaces on the walls of the Mezzanine and 2nd floor / Upper Main Street of the Commons.

Israel DVD Collection–UMBC Hillel and the Department of Judaic Studies have just donated 40 DVD’s about Israel to the UMBC Library. These range from documentaries, to feature films, to tourism videos.

All Day–Israel culture tent on Erickson Field: Experience Israeli culture with Israeli sports, FREE FALAFEL, HOOKA, music, and dancing.

Monday, May 5

12 Noon–Dispelling the Myths: What do you think you know about Israel? Bring your questions or just listen in the Mosaic Center on the second floor of the Commons (2B23). There’ll be FREE PIZZA too.

4:30 PM–Tree planting in honor of Israel’s 60th on the Center Road side of Erickson Field. Shovels will be provided.

6:00 PM–UMBC Hillel’s annual meeting: open to the entire campus community. Celebrate our new board, our new student leaders, the school year, and great things to come. Dr. Nancy Young, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs will be our speaker and dessert will be provided in UC 312.

Tuesday, May 6

8:30 PM until 11 PM–Spice up your Tuesday night by learning and watching some Israeli Dancing. No experience or skill required/expected ;-). We’ll be teaching dances from the beginning. We’ll also be having ISRAELI SNACKS.

Wednesday, May 7

12 PM to 6 PM–Israel: A Nation is Born film screening in the Commons SportsZone.

6 PM to 8 PM–Memorial candle lighting for Israel’s fallen soldiers on the Commons Terrace.

Thursday, May 8

11:30 AM to 1:30 PM–Have some FREE CAKE and get a mini-Israeli flag on the Commons Terrace.

8 PM to 11 PM–PARTY! Join other students in the Commons SportsZone from 5 until 10 PM as part of 13 Thursdays of Culture for a party celebrating Israel’s 60th birthday! There will be food (FREE FALAFEL), music, dancing, games, great conversations, and guided tours of the Israel Photo Gallery in the Commons.

6 PM– FREE SHABBAT DINNER celebrating Israel’s 60th anniversary and honoring our graduating seniors in the Interfaith Center (on center road across from Erickson Field). Shabbat: a Sweet Time is sponsored by the Nathan and Lillian Weinberg Family Foundation.