Although members of the Canadian Jewish community may not have been able to make it to the parties in the Holy Land, that didn’t stop them from sending love and birthday wishes to Israel, which celebrates its 68th Independence Day on May 12.
The annual Israel Day Rally in Montreal, proclaimed by organizers as “the largest celebration for Israel in Canada,” attracted thousands to Phillips Square.
The celebration included live performances by gospel singer Joshua Nelson from New York City, Dan and Nathaniel Abitbol from DNA Entertainment, and video addresses by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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In Ottawa, a celebration at Ottawa city hall’s Marion Dewar Square included a flag-raising ceremony where Israel’s ambassador to Canada Rafael Barak, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka and Jewish community leaders raised the Israeli flag in celebration of Israel’s birthday.
Later, at the Soloway JCC, the celebration continued with “family friendly fun,” including music and Israeli dancing.
In Toronto, a number of events on May 11 and 12 commemorated Yom Hazikaron and celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut.
At Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto, the May 11 program, which was streamed live on its website, included a speech by Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel and a performance by the Netivot choir.
That same evening, Petah Tikva Anshe Castilla Congregation paid tribute to Israel’s fallen soldiers. They celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut with a barbeque, entertainment for children and a fireworks show in the shul parking lot.
An event at UJA Federation’s Sherman Campus on May 12 was scheduled to include a performance by Shtreimel, a Montreal-based band; Israeli cuisine, a carnival for children and a special video message from Netanyahu.
Throughout the GTA, there were also flag-raising ceremonies at Toronto city hall, Queen’s Park, Vaughan city hall and Markham city hall.
In Calgary on May 11, the Calgary JCC hosted an event to “relive the moment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” and asked those who came out to celebrate to dress up as a kibbutznik.
In Vancouver on May 11 at the Chan Centre for Performing Arts, the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver treated the community to a sold-out show performed by Israeli singer-songwriter Achinoam Nini (a.k.a. Noa).
Some of Canada’s political leaders also sent birthday wishes to Israel.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement that referred to Israel as “a thriving and vibrant country, which Canada is proud to call a close partner and steadfast ally.
“Canada and Israel unite in their people-to-people ties, shared values, respect for democracy and growing trade relationship. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our strong friendship,” Trudeau said.
“Although today is a joyous day, let us also reflect on the threat that Israel and its people continue to face throughout the world in the form of terrorist attacks, acts of anti-Semitism and religious intolerance. Canada stands with Israel and will continue to promote peace and stability in the region.”
READ: THE STATE OF CANADA-ISRAEL RELATIONS ON YOM HA’ATZMAUT
Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown said, “The establishment of the State of Israel was both an important and a remarkable moment in the history of the Jewish People.
“Israel has become a successful democratic country and a regional economic powerhouse, particularly in the fields of research and development. I am proud that Israel and Ontario share strong values, people-to-people ties and excellent economic co-operation,” Brown said.
Rona Ambrose, federal Conservative interim leader, said Israel serves as a great example to the rest of the world.
“Overcoming unimaginable suffering and tragedy, the people of Israel have built a vibrant society, an innovative economy and a democracy that is an example to the world,” Ambrose said.
“Canadians are rightly proud of our deep friendship with Israel, which is rooted in the values we share. We will always defend the right of the Jewish People to live in peace and freedom in their ancestral homeland, and we will always stand up for Israel against efforts to delegitimize and demonize the world’s only Jewish state.”
In a video message posted on YouTube, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said, “On this day, we celebrate the faith, perseverance and courage of the Israeli people in building your dream of an independent Israel.”