HAFTR celebrates Israel’s 65th anniversary

Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) fifth-grade students Ashley Kanarek, Ariel Alboher and Nechma Hillel all believe that if you weren’t in Israel to commemorate the Jewish state’s 65th anniversary, then you should have been at HAFTR on April 15 and 16.

There were students in costumes, music and synchronized dancing. Fifth-grader Ilana Socolick performed “Eretz Eretz” on the violin, accompanied by her father, Dr. Daniel Socolick, on keyboard. Mix media collages inspired by artists Jasper John and Peter Max were on display, along with a mini-Israel.

The celebration continued the following day with a joint assembly for the early childhood and middle school students, Faculty members who served in the Israel Defense Force were recognized for their service. The Lower School watched fifth-graders perform a play based on “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”