Bellmore-Merrick marks Israel's independence

Israel recently celebrated its 68th birthday, and Congregation Ohav Sholom, on Merrick Avenue in Merrick, hosted folks from throughout the Merrick-Bellmore community for a day of merriment and friendship to mark the occasion.

Yom Ha’atzmaut, also known as Israel Independence Day, celebrates Israel’s declaration as its own state on May 15, 1948.

The Bellmore Jewish Center, Merrick Jewish Centre, Temple Beth Am, Congregation Ohav Sholom, Temple Israel of South Merrick and Young Israel of Merrick also sponsored the event.

A traditional Israeli band played as participants took part in folk dancing, and there was even a demonstration of krav maga, a self-defense system developed by the Israel Defense Forces. A mock Western Wall was set up, where people could leave their notes as they would in Israel. Folks could also create their own passports to visit various sections of the independence day fair named for Israeli cities, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa.

“And, of course, there was a lot of food,” said Rabbi Ira Ebbin, Ohav Sholom’s spiritual leader.