Story and Photos by Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO—The Jewish Federation and scores of affiliated communal organizations celebrated Israel’s Independence Day on Sunday, May 15, at a new, more public, location than in past years, seeking to draw the general public’s attention both to Israel’s cause and to the variety of interests represented within the Jewish community.
Lured by the opportunity to win a round trip vacation to Israel, hundreds of visitors filled out questionnaires telling how they were attracted to the festival that was held at the Ski Beach area of Mission Bay, and what, if any, affiliations with the Jewish community they now have.
Lisa Haney, director of the Federation’s Israel and Overseas Center, said she anticipated that the questionnaires will be tallied and an analyzed within a week, giving Federation planners more ideas for expanding their outreach both to the general community and to unaffiliated Jews.
Jan Tuttleman, board chair of the Jewish Federation, said she anticipated that the festival will continue to be held in public venues in future years and grow and grow.
In the past, the festivals have been held in relatively insulated Jewish venues – such as at the Lawrence Family JCC or at the San Diego Jewish Academy.
Shoshi Bogoch, the Israeli shlicha (emissary) assigned to the Federation, said she believes the Jewish community should take advantage of San Diegans love for the blue sky, blue waters and green grass of such places as Ski Beach, which is located on the shore of Mission Bay along Ingraham Avenue.
Appearing to agree were thousands of San Diegans who toured scores of booths, food stands, and play areas and additionally enjoyed performances at a small circus area and at a main stage.
Children were kept happy at jump houses, and by a ballopn artist, a caricaturist, and face painters. They also had the opportunity to sample such favorite Israel and Middle Eastern foods as shwarma and falafel.
Among performers were a band unit of the Israel Defense Forces and a dance troupe from the Ken Jewish Community, as well as the Belly Button Circus, made up of former Israelis who are adept at juggling, balancing and acrobatics. The was also a demonstration of krav maga, the Israeli martial art.
A highlight of the festival was the arrival near noon of a fleet of bicycle riders – some of whom were completing a 63-mile tour and others of whom were finishing an 18-mile stint. Both bike rides had their symbolic significance . The 63 mile ride was in honor of the 63 years that Israel has been independent since David Ben-Gurion declared that country’s statehood in 1948. And 18 is the number value of the word “chai” meaning “life” in Hebrew. So together, the two rides represented Israel’s life since independence.
In the past, joint Sha’ar Hanegev-San Diego bike rides through Israel have served as fundraising occasions for the construction of a special rocket-proof school in the San Diego Jewish Federation’s partnership region of Sha’ar Hanegev, Israel, which is located adjacent to the border with Gaza, from which Hamas terrorists frequently fire rockets and mortars at nearby Israeli targets.
This year fundraising was de-emphasized in favor of community outreach, but a poster on prominent display at the festival announced that thus far $930,000 has been raised in a San Diego capital campaign to build a new arts center at the beleaguered educational complex in Sha’ar Hanegev. Another $370,000 is needed to reach the $1.3 million total.
Liam and Tai Lavi had faces painted
