SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — People from across San Diego joined together this weekend at the “Celebrate Israel San Diego” festival, highlighting Israel’s diversity, culture, heritage and people on its 74th birthday. The festival, held by Jewish Federation of San Diego County in partnership with House of Israel, celebrated the theme of Israel’s human tapestry, its diverse culture, heritage, and people.
“Since this celebration was in beautiful Balboa Park, so many people got to experience Israel and celebrate in ways that felt meaningful to them,” says Ruth Mastron, President, House of Israel, Balboa Park. “With live entertainment, guided tours, cooking demonstrations, and various activities presented by community organizations, there was something for everyone. This was truly a wonderful celebration of all facets of Israel’s diversity.”
The successful Celebrate Israel San Diego festival included a live performance by an Israeli rock band, Israeli dancing, youth performances, an Israeli cooking demonstration, a variety of vendors, delicious Israeli food, and Israeli Aroma Café. For the first time ever, a delegation of leaders from Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s sister region in Israel, attended the local celebration. Prominent local officials including Councilmember Stephen Whitburn and Carolyn Ben Natan of the office of the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles also joined in the celebration and voiced their love and support of Israel. Shinshinim (post-high school Israeli emissaries) led an interactive program with prizes for winners.
The event was just about one year before Federation’s CommUNITY Trip to Israel, May 4-11, 2023, for members of San Diego’s Jewish community to experience Israel’s immense natural beauty, dynamic religious expressions, rich culture and history, vibrant cuisine, incredible innovations, and remarkable and diverse people. Participants will stay in 5-star hotels, meet with VIPs and dignitaries, and attend special events. The trip includes an optional add-on to the United Arab Emirates. Federation is crafting the trip to suit people whether they have been ten times or never traveled to Israel before. Participants will be able to customize the trip to their interests, level of knowledge, and tastes.
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Preceding provided by Jewish Federation of San Diego County