The State of Israel celebrates 60 years of independence
The Ministerial Committee marking 60 years of independence, headed
by Minister Ruhama Avraham Balila, has approved the first list
of events and projects that will be held and implemented in the
60th year of Israel's independence.
Events celebrating
Israel at 60 will be held in 2008 and 2009 (Shvat 5768 to Tevet
5769).
The 60th Anniversary
Administration, headed by Israel Minister Ruhama Avraham Balila,
is currently in the process of concluding the programs that will
involve collaboration with various Government Ministries and national
institutions. The list of projects and events presented below
is partial, and will be updated during the year.
The professional
administration for the events marking 60 years of Israel's independence
is initiating, producing and sponsoring events and activities
that comply with the following principles:
The events and projects shall reflect the Government resolution
that Israel's 60th anniversary will center around the "strengthening
of Israel's children".
The Israel at 60 events shall be designed to reach all the citizens
of Israel wherever they may be, and a major proportion of the
events shall be held in outlying regions. The events shall showcase
Israel's achievements over the 60 years since its founding.
The mix of events shall put special emphasis on Holocaust survivors
and other sectors of the population.
Part of the budget for the Israel at 60 events shall be earmarked
for infrastructure projects, that will bear fruit in the coming
years.
The events and projects to mark 60 years of Israel's independence
shall focus on inculcating educational, cultural and artistic
values among the youth. Emphasis shall also be placed on strengthening
religious tolerance and civic awareness, strengthening the connection
with the history of the State of Israel and the Jewish People,
and strengthening awareness of nature, heritage, landscape and
environmental values.
Children’s drawings contest and combination of the drawings
in the official calendar / 1/3/08-8/5/08
Children’s drawings competition project
Selection of the national bird on Israel’s 60th year of independence
/ 5.3-4.4.08
Selection of the official national bird of the state of Israel
Twin Towns Convention / 9-12.3.08
Every decade, the local authorities in Israel hold a twin town
convention. This year, the convention will take place as part
of the 60 years to the State of Israel celebrations and 70 years
to the Local Authorities Center.
Saluting the education system / 26.3.08
IDF soldiers and commanders salute the teachers and pupils of
Israel
Youth Thinking of Tomorrow
Youth competition: envisioning the country's future in a creative
work competition
Israeli Police Salutes the State of Israel / 8.5.08
A fun family event at the Police Academy at Kiryat Ata
In the footsteps of the 1948 combatants
Youngsters make their way up to Jerusalem
A games project in Eilat / 12.08
Jewish youth from the Diasporas participate in sporting competitions
at Eilat
Basketball against violence / 29.5.08
Events to celebrate Israeli accomplishments in the field of basketball
The State of Israel salutes Olim (new immigrants) soldiers and
“lonely soldiers” / 21.8.08
The State of Israel shows its respect and appreciation to new
immigrant soldiers who came to Israel on their own in order to
join the IDF
A salute to veterans who fought against the Nazis / 11.5.08
A special event in respect of the victory over Nazi Germany
Bedouin Festival / 8-10.5.08
Cultural and Touristic Bedouin Festival at Rahat
Akko Festival / 10.08
The opening ceremony
at Akko festival will mark 60 years to the State of Israel and
will be carried out with the cooperation of the 60’s headquarters.
The violins of hope – the 60’s concert / 24.9.08
The 60’s concert will be held along the Jerusalem walls.
Zephath Klezmer Festival opening ceremony / 18.08.08
The Zephath Klezmer Festival marking 60 years to Israel
Eilat Jazz Festival / 8.08
Cooperation between the 60’s events headquarters and the
Jazz Festival in Eilat.
Israel Festival / 7.08
A three day free event at the theater area and an evening saluting
60 years of Israeli cinema.
Karmiel Dancing Festival / 22-24.7.08
Children dancing groups from Israel and abroad will participate
in the event celebrating 60 years to Israel.
Dance Calling on Jerusalem Day / 2.6.08
Dancing at the Kotel (the Wailing Wall) on Jerusalem Day
Theaterneto / 22.4.08
An evening dedicated to the Israeli theater, marking 60 years
to Israel
Six decades six Museums / 16.4.08 and throughout the year
Six main museums in Israel will present the artistic accomplishment
in Israel during the 60 years of independence.
Theater Awards Ceremony / 4.4.08
A ceremony dedicated to sixty years of Israeli theater.
Israel salutes to 60 years of environmental activity / 16.9.08
A day dedicated to protecting the environment at Caesarea
Security & Defense Cooperation and Export Division / 10.9.08-17.9.08
A presentation of the accomplishments of Israel’s military
industry
City of the youth in Haifa / 28.8.08
To mark 60 years of independence to the State of Israel.
Co-existence Festival / 27.8.08
A festival emphasizing co-existence in Israel
60’s wedding / 19.8.08
The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption initiates a celebration for
new immigrants – The 60’s wedding
Cohenim blessing at the Kotel (the Western Wall) / 10.08.08
A special event in collaboration with the Western Wall Heritage
Foundation
Children’s films festival in Haifa / 10.08
An event to mark 60 years of Israeli film making in the field
of children’s films
Activity as part of the Hebrew book fair / 28.5.08-7.6.08
The Hebrew book fair - under the slogan “We are all the children
of the books”
The contribution of the holocaust survivors throughout the sixty
years of our existence / 28.4.08
Production of an album and putting up an exhibition at Yad Vashem
reviewing the contribution of Holocaust survivors
Warszawa Ghetto Uprising and Janusz Korczak Walk / 29.4.08
As part of the 60 years to Israel events it has been decided to
reenact the walk Yanush Korczak and his children walked from their
home to the concentration camp during the holocaust
New and Unique playgrounds across Israel / within 5 years
Keren Hayesod (United Israel Appeal) establishes new playgrounds
for children
Soon we will become a song / 7.5.08
Israel’s top artists will participate in the annual remembrance
project by Galai Tzahal radio station and “soon we will become
a song” network. This year the project will mark 60 years
to Israel’s independence.
Military bands from 10 countries play for peace in Israel / 8.5.08
Military bands play for peace
The State of Israel’s birthday parties / 9.5.08
3 huge birthday parties at Nitzanim beach, Rabin square and Achziv
beach
Amos 3 Communications Satellite to be launched into space
With a giant 60th anniversary logo
No child's play
A project in memory of the Jewish children murdered in the Holocaust
Recognition awards for women
For their special contribution to the advancement of children
in Israel
The Eilat Ink Flag
Raising of the biggest national flag in the world to mark the
liberation of the town of Eilat
Youth Movements at Tel Hai
Memorial Ceremony for Joseph Trumpeldor and the heroes of Tel
Hai
FIRST
The international science and technology contest
Foot path around the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret Trail)
The 60th Anniversary Administration and the Society for the Protection
of Nature in Israel (SPNI) invite you to the Sea of Galilee
A traveling display and exhibit of Israel's achievements
An experience for the whole family adapted for Israel's 60th anniversary
The State of Israel salutes its founders: Holocaust survivors
and Illegal Immigrants
Lighting up Israel's skies
Special display on the eve of Independence Day
The IDF salutes Israel
Aerobatic, naval and parachute jumping displays
Israel's children in the national parks and nature reserves
Children in Israel are invited to hike along Israel's outdoor
trails
The 60th birthday of those born on 5 Iyar 5708
Celebrating the birthday of those born on 5 Iyar 5708 at the President's
Residence in Jerusalem
Cycling to Jerusalem
A national infrastructure project, in collaboration with Keren
Kayemeth LeIrael – Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF)
The International Bible Contest
Renewal of the Bible Contest
An evening in honor of Ethiopian Olim
Israel solutes the Ethiopian Jewish Community
Event in honor of the Druse Community
Israel solutes the Druse and Circassian Communities
Restoration of monuments to the Fallen
Remembering the Fallen
Independence for All – picnic spots for people with disabilities
Establishing picnic spots accessible to people with disabilities
The 60’s song
A song has been chosen to accompany the formal campaign of the
60’s events.
An evening in respect of IDF widows and orphans / a date has not
been determined yet
A special event honoring widows and orphans of IDF casualties
Beach-ball / Summer 08
A beach football tournament at Sironit beach in Natanya
more >>
An evening in respect of terror attacks casualties and their families
/ a date has not been determined yet
An evening in respect of terror attacks casualties and their families
Israeli Arabs / summer of 08
A festival and fun activities at Shfaram
The State of Israel solutes its volunteers / summer of 08
As part of the 6o’s events, the State of Israel wishes to
express its appreciation and respect of volunteering organizations
in Israel.
Mass event honoring immigrants from the Soviet Union / summer
of 08
Mass event honoring immigrants from the Soviet Union
60 years of fashion / summer 08
Review of Israel’s accomplishments in the field of fashion.
Israel Ethnic Festival / summer 08
Street festival in Jerusalem
Mass Bar Mitzvah / a date has not been set yet
A mass Bar Mitzvah for 600 children from all over Israel in cooperation
with Migdal Or Association
Theater at detention facilities / a date has not been set yet
Plays for youth present at youth detention centers.
Cleaning Israel week / a date has not been set yet
A week of cleaning Israel during the 60 years of the State of
Israel’s existence.
The Diaspora path / a date has not been set yet
A monumental exhibit displayed across Jerusalem
The establishment of a Children’s theater in Jerusalem /
during 08
Cooperation with the city council of Jerusalem to establish a
children’s theater.
Family Activity for the benefit of Sderot and Gaza surroundings
residents / a date has not been set yet
Special events in a range of topics adapted to family activity
for the benefit of sderot, Gaza surroundings and west Negev residents
An
official logo for Israel's 60th birthday
Probably you
have heard the definition of a camel - a horse designed by a committee.
Above is a
work of graphic design chosen by a committee.
It is the
official symbol for Israel's 60th-anniversary celebrations in
2008. A committee of five government ministers picked it this
week from six competing entries.
At first glance,
the winning logo seems to express the confusion that afflicts
Israel in many ways today. Even the country's name is typographically
ripped apart.
The logo is
intended to express the theme that children are the future of
the country.
A partner
in a public-relations firm that made the logo explained:
"We chose
a design that combines flow with innovation. It is an Israeli
logo that expresses optimism which comes from hope and great faith.
Our logo tells the story of the country. The loops of the blue
ribbon that make the "60" are the symbol of the struggles
and hardships of the country in its 60 years, but through optimistic
eyes---with a movement of upward flight and growth. The Star of
David stands as a stable, strong beacon. At the head of the camp
and leading everyone, connecting it all, is the child---our future,
our hope, our tomorrow, of all of us...."
The PR firm
clearly understood what the government committee would buy, although
one member, Yitzhak Cohen of the Shas Party, said the child needs
a haircut.
The logo is
a product of Arad Communications, whose president is Eyal Arad,
a strategic advisor to present and past Israel prime ministers.
Lior Chorev, who managed Prime Minister Olmert's election campaign,
became managing director of the firm in April.
The firm lists
among its clients the Jewish Agency, the Kadima party, the Egged
bus cooperative, the Israel Electric Corp., the Herzlia Conference,
the Haaretz newspaper, the country's Coca Cola bottler, Israel
Weapon Industries, and fashion brands including Ralph Lauren and
Giorgio Armani.
Before the
ministerial committee made its choice, the Israeli web portal
Walla asked its users to vote on the six competing logos.
With 1,173
Walla users voting, the official logo finished in fourth place.
A less-complicated design won the Walla vote - 60 small stars
of David forming one big Star of David, above the slogan "Israel
60."
What the winning
logos do not show is that Israel is bursting with talent in many
creative fields. The government did not involve the public in
the logo project. No competition took place among graphic-arts
students, nor was any panel or jury of established Israeli designers
set up.
Israel
Government Announces National Plan for Cycling Routes Created
by KKL-JNF for Israel 60 Birthday
At the Israel cabinet meeting that took place last week at Beit
She’arim National Park to mark Love of Nature & Environment
Week, Stenzler presented a national plan for creating cycling
routes throughout Israel. During the meeting, attended by heads
of KKL-JNF and the Nature & Parks Authority, the government
decided to allocate resources to promote two environmental projects:
cycling routes and camping sites in nature. By doing so, the Israel
government will be realizing, through KKL-JNF, another of Theodore
Herzl’s visions, who over one hundred years ago praised “the
light bicycle that brings new life”.
According to the decision, KKL-JNF will be responsible for creating
routes through forests and open spaces, the Trans - Israel Bicycle
trail from Metula to Eilat, and special cycling routes in the
four largest cities to connect them to the open spaces around
them. The central such project, which KKL-JNF announced only recently,
will be KKL-JNF’s sixtieth anniversary gift to the State:
a 70-kilometer coast-to-mountain cycling route from Tel Aviv to
Jerusalem, Israel.
At the meeting, Stenzler said: “I am pleased to be at this
cabinet meeting, which is being held during Israel’s 60 year
and at the beginning of Love of Nature & Environment Week,
that addresses topics such as concern for the public welfare and
developing infrastructures for cycling routes. This is especially
relevant now when all over the world people are focusing on means
to stop global warming and decrease the use of carbon burning
fuels.
“At the initiative of the Israel Prime Minister's Office,
the Ministries of Tourism, Environmental Protection, Transportation,
Finance, Culture, the Nature and Parks Authority, and of course
KKL-JNF, committed themselves to creating a five-year plan for
developing an infrastructure for a network of cycling routes.
To date, KKL-JNF has created hundreds of kilometers of forests
trails that are suitable for cyclists and the ever-growing number
of bicycle riders attests to just how popular this sport is becoming
in Israel. The plan is based on two principles: developing infrastructures
that are as accessible as possible to all the different sectors
of the populace and cost-free entrance to the forests and recreation
sites.”
To date, KKL-JNF has developed hundreds of kilometers of trails
for pedestrians and cyclists, including almost 200 kilometers
of routes specifically designed for bicycles. The routes have
varying levels of difficulty, beginning with trails for the entire
family, to steep, challenging trails and “singles” which
are narrow trails for single riders. The routes were blazed throughout
the country, from the Hula Lake to Timna Park, with the help of
friends of KKL-JNF worldwide.
KKL-JNF began activities in this field about eight years ago.
It sponsored three workshops with experts from abroad, blazed
trails in accordance with international standards and signposted
them. This infrastructure of bicycle routes was in response to
public need in a country in which the sport of cycling is growing
at a rapid rate. In addition, this project makes an important
contribution to the environment and towards lessening greenhouse
gases emissions, since it reduces dependence on motor vehicles.
Cycling Suggestions
Hula Lake
· Length
of route: 8.5 kilometers
· Cycling
time: approximately one hour
· Degree
of difficulty: easy
· Nature
of riding: a circular route on a paved road, without inclines
and declines
· Technical
difficulty: easy
· Suitability:
the entire family and beginners
· Season:
the entire year. Recommended: autumn, winter, spring
· Starting
and finishing points: Hula Lake Visitors Center. The lake can
be accessed from the Rosh Pina – Kiryt Shemona highway (Highway
90, between kms. 457-458).
Aminadav Forest
· Length
of route: Long routem, about 15 km. short route, about 8 km.
· Cycling
time: long route – about two hours; short route – one
hour
· Degree
of difficulty: medium
· Nature
of riding: a circular route on packed dirt roads. Medium inclines
· Technical
difficulty: easy
· Suitable
for: experience biked riders
· Season:
the entire year. In summer, not during the afternoon.
· Starting
and finishing points: Kennedy Memorial. Turn south from the Tel-Aviv
– Jerusalem highway (Highway 1) at the Harel interchange,
drive to the Sataf circle. Turn left at the circle in the direction
of Hadassah Hospital to the entrance to Orah. Continue to Moshav
Aminadav, bypass the moshav and continue another 500 meters to
the Kennedy Memorial.
Be’eri Road Ring
· Length
of route: 23 kilometers
· Cycling
time: 2- 4 hours
· Degree
of difficulty: medium plus
· Nature
of riding: circular route
· Technical
difficulty: medium
· Suitable
for: experienced bicyclists only
· Season:
the entire year
· Starting
and finishing points: KKL-JNF recreation site at the entrance
to Kibbutz Be’eri, about 200 meters before the “La Medavesh”
bicycle center. Access from the Sa’ad junction – Re’im
junction (Highway 232).
Heroes
of the 60th Birthday of Israel Jacob
Richman
Jacob is one of the most dedicated Zionists in Israel.
Totally unselfish and totally giving. He has created dozens of
creative Websites for the international community and many serving
Anglos living and working in Israel. His work is unending - whether
it be photographing new arrivals from Nefesh bNefesh or creating
Hebrew names for the Jewish population on FaceBook. Jacob is a
modern day hero of the Jewish people.
Israel 60 Birthday Anniversary
Israel 60th
Birthday
If you have
materials you recommend we add to this page, please email: israel60@ujc.org.
Federation lay leaders and professionals can access federation-specific
Israel @ 60 resources on the federation interoffice site here.
Educational
and celebration materials
* Jewish Agency
for Israel Education Department
JAFI is developing a very wide range of educational initiatives,
materials and programs including educational kits, a bike ride,
an Israel @ 60 shabbaton, curricula, Hebrew programs, a video
archive, and much more. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the
resource list.
* Prayers,
sermons, poetry
The Spring 2008 edition of the UJC Rabbinic Cabinet’s The
Orchard highlights Israel @ 60 and contains articles, sermons,
sermon starter ideas, prayers, poetry and prose. The issue also
includes a Jubilee Prayer and reflections on the work of JAFI
and JDC over the last 60 years. Click here to download it.
* Passover
reading – a fifth cup in honor of Israel @ 60
Click here to download a special reading called “The Cup
of Redemption,” created by the rabbis of the Jewish United
Fund of Metropolitan Chicago to mark Israel @ 60 at your seder.
* Israel @
60 Posters
Visit this site for a selection of posters - many of which are
both beautiful and useful for educational purposes - celebrating
Israel and the anniversary. Special kits with multiple posters
are available. Contact Naomi at israelat60@gmail.com for more
information.
*
Israel @ 60 lapel pins
The Conference of Presidents has designed two different Israel
@ 60 lapel pins, t-shirts and mugs. (Vew the pins. View the price
list.) Contact Chloe Markowitz [chloe@conferenceofpresidents.org]
for more information and to order.
* Upstart
Ideas
Visit Israel Celebrates 60, a project of Upstart Ideas, a small
Jerusalem-based consulting partnership. The site includes a number
of good resources including a “best of Israel” page
with well categorized links to information such as “Moments
in Israeli History,” “Heroes & Leaders of Israel,”
and “Intriguing Facts About Israel.
* BabagaNewz
A monthly Jewish classroom magazine for grades 4-7 that analyzes
major news stories, religious holidays, cultural events and youth
trends, will publish three Israel @ 60 supplements during the
2007/8 school year.
* Looking
Back, Looking Forward/The UN Partition Plan
An American Jewish Committee-published booklet describing the
landmark series of international agreements that gradually transformed
the Zionist dream into the UN's recommendation that a state of
Israel be established in part of the British Palestinian Mandate.
* A Dream
Restored: Reflections on the UN Partition Vote
The introduction to an American Jewish Committee publication that
includes works by noted Israeli political and cultural figures
including Amos Oz, David Ben-Gurion, Chaim Weizmann, Moshe Dayan
and Abba Eban.
* Israel
60 Posters, t-shirts, hats, flags, etc.
The King David Store is offering a variety of Israel @ 60 items
for sale including posters, t-shirts, hats, flags,
* Customized
chocolate gifts and favors
Sweetography can reproduce your Israel @ 60 logo or other picture,
image, or message right on the surface of chocolate coins, lollipops
and other items.
* ARZA/Reform
Movement program guide:
ARZA has published a 133-page program and resource guide for an
Israel @ 60 Shabbat and post-weekend activities.
Videos/Audio
* Israel Films
Go2films distributes Israeli and Jewish themed films - films that
explore the social and multi-cultural aspects of life in Israel.
View their list of films recommended for Israel @ 60-related events.
* Cool Facts
About Israel
This compelling video blends catchy Israeli music and evocative
images of the vitality of Israel, interspersed with facts about
Israel's achievements in the arts, business, science and education.
This video has been extremely popular on YouTube and other sites
-- on YouTube alone, the first and second versions of the video
have been viewed over 700,000 times as of early December, 2007.
* JAFI
Makom videos
View two Yom Ha'atzmaut-related YouTube videos from Makom, JAFI's
Israel Engagement Network. The first features Israelis in Tel
Aviv’s Carmel Market talking about whether and why North
American Jewish celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut. The second features
remarks by Avram Infeld, president emeritus of Hillel, in a video
called What are we celebrating? (Note: Initially the music in
the second video overlaps Avram speaking. After a few seconds
the music volume decreases.)
*
Israel at 60, A Dream Restored
A video assembled by the American Jewish Committee: it features
footage of the UN vote to adopt the Partition Plan, and comments
by Ambassador Daniel Gillerman, Israel’s Ambassador to the
UN; author Amos Oz, who reads excerpts from his book that capture
the mood in Jerusalem sixty years ago; and AJC Executive Director
David Harris.
* Shaping
Israel's Image as it Turns 60
A podcast recorded during the 2007 UJC/Federation General Assembly:
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has endeavored to change the public’s
perception of Israel as a “warrior” -- even a righteous,
reluctant warrior -- in favor of more appealing images that highlight
Israel’s scientific progress, its archeology and the allure
of its beaches. How successful has this branding initiative been,
and what are its implications for advocacy and fundraising? Leading
the discussion was Norm Goldstein, UJC Israel @ 60 Chair; Israel
& Overseas chair, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
The panel of speakers were: Ido Aharoni, head of Brand Israel
management team; Larry Weinberg, executive vice president, ISRAEL21C;
Lee Dranikoff, Brand Israel; Sharon Bell, Jewish Federation of
Nashville. For optimal audio, fast-forward to 4:37 into the recording.
*
Israel in 3D
This is a set of three DVDs about the history, nature, landscapes
and people of Israel – all presented in three-dimensional
images. The package includes special glasses for viewing 3D. Individual
sets and group screening arrangements are available.
*
Hatikva
JAFI has developed an online “hands-on Hatikva” unit
that helps users learn about the song, its lyrics and the melody.
Activities
* Live Hatikva
A global event that will take place on the 60th Independence Day
of Israel, May 8. Jews all over of the world will join in simultaneously
singing the Israeli anthem, “Hatikva.” Live Hatikva
is a wonderful opportunity to unite in celebration the partnership
of the Jewish people around the world with the people of Israel.
* Israel Is
Hadassah has provided its chapters with an Israel @ 60 program-in-a-box
CD-ROM entitled 'Israel Is'. The program covers different aspects
of Israeli life including technology, medicine, fashion, etc.
Contact your local Hadassah chapter for more information.
* MyIsrael
Video Competition
A Video Competition Marking Israel's 60th Year of Independence.
Express how Israel has touched you. Share a viewpoint. Profile
a friend. Ask tough questions. Reminisce about a trip. Contribute
to an ongoing dialogue. The competition began at 12:01am on January
1, 2008 and end on February 29, 2008 at midnight. Upload your
video to my.israel.org. First place gets -- what else? -- a special
trip to Israel. Note: you must be 18-26 to enter the competition.
* 60th Anniversary
Symposium in Jerusalem
The Truman Presidential Library is sponsoring an international
symposium in Jerusalem May 29 - June 1, 2008 to commemorate the
60th Anniversary of the founding of Israel and President Truman's
decision to recognize the fledgling Jewish State. Click to download
the event itinerary, conference schedule and invitation letter.
*
Celebrate 60! Walk the Land
Join communities worldwide who will be participating in Celebrate
60! Walk the Land. The Afikim Foundation, in solidarity with Keren
Kayemeth LeIsrael, is undertaking this global project for the
purpose of fostering a sense of worldwide unity in support of
Israel. Jews of all ages and affiliations and other supporters
of Israel will participate in local one-mile-long walks, lined
with vinyl murals depicting Israeli cities and landmarks of interest.
Official T-shirts, water bottles and sling backpacks with the
Celebrate 60! Walk the Land logo will unify walkers worldwide.
Information sheet | pdf with pictures of the murals, t-shirts,
etc.
Art
- Exhibitions/Performances
* AICF
The America-Israel Cultural Foundation (AICF) can recommend artists
in the areas of music, art and design, dance, film and theatre
for Israel @ 60 celebrations. The AICF was established in 1939
to promote, encourage and sustain cultural life in Israel and
provides more than 1,100 scholarships and grants annually to gifted
Israeli students, young professionals and cultural institutions.
Contact David Homan at david@aicf.org for more information.
*
Becoming Israel
A new program from Storahtelling, an organization that promotes
Jewish cultural literacy through original theatrical performances
and educational programs for multi-generational audiences. Using
twenty-first century performance art techniques, Storahtelling
brings personal contemporary meaning to 5,000 years of Jewish
tradition. Connecting ancient myth with contemporary Jewish identity,
Becoming Israel, examines the intersection between individual
and collective memory. Becoming Israel was designed for adult
and teen audiences. It features original music, adaptations of
biblical text, historical narrative and audience interaction.
Click here for more about this show including contact and booking
information.
*
The Israel Consulate in New York
The consulate offers a series of email newsletters, one of which
includes a listing of upcoming cultural events and artists in
North America. Although many events are in the New York and New
Jersey area, some are in other parts of the country and, in some
cases, special arrangements can be made. Click here to subscribe
to the newsletter.
* Chai Folk Ensemble and Hora Jerusalem Dancers
Live music, song and dance. Click here to read about their Israel
@ 60 availability.
* Golden Land
Concerts and Connections
This booking agency for Jewish music and performers is planning
to bring a number of Israeli artists to North America. See their
general plan and also check their website.
* Mosh Ben
Ari
Mosh Ben Ari, lead singer of the Israeli band Sheva, will be touring
in North America in June and July 2008. Mosh plays various string
instruments such as acoustic & classic Guitar, Indian sarod,
Persian tar, Turkish jumbush, Moroccan ginberi and bass. His performance
is a celebration of grove & spirit blending rock, reggae and
world music with his unique voice. For more details please contact
Dorit Kalev.
* Galilee
Circus
In July 2007 the Galilee Circus, a Jewish-Arab youth circus based
in Karmiel, Israel, hosted the St. Louis Arches performing troupe,
part of a large youth circus program in St. Louis. The Galilee
Foundation for Value Education Shorashim is open to discussing
the possibility of bringing the Galilee Circus to North America
for a tour to several communities, with either performances by
the Galilee troupe, or joint performances with local youth circus
troupes. This opportunity might be good for the Jewish community
and/or as a community relations event. Contact Marc Rosenstein
for more information. Galilee Circus overview | Galilee Circus
diary | Galilee Circus and P2K
Speakers
* Israel at
Heart
Israel at Heart is a not for profit organization that seeks to
promote a better understanding of Israel and its people, primarily
through speaking tours of groups of young Israelis.
* 60 on 60
- Sixty minutes on Israel @ 60
Israeli photographer/lecturer/tour guide Harel Stanton is available
for North American presentations of this interactive multimedia
slide show, which he describes as "a colorful celebration
of the "Here and Now" in Israel. ... through the cultural
scene of Tel-Aviv and the ancient alleys of Jerusalem, introducing
you to the people that make up this extraordinary country and
show you the beauty of the landscapes that will take your breath
away." Thumbnails of the stunning images from his presentation
can be seen on the description page for this lecture, and a smaller
but more compellingly presented batch of them can be seen here.
* What Hitler
Never Wanted You to See
Ann Weiss tells moving stories about the people and the photos
about the Jews who went to build the Land of Israel and the Jews
who yearned to go to Israel. Told through the photos mailed to
loved ones, who carried them to Auschwitz when deported. Accompanying
her speeches, book, talks and scholar-in-residence options is
also the possibility of film screening, book signings and a traveling
photographic exhibition. Click here to read about it.
Books
/ publications
* 60 Days
for 60 Years: Israel 2008
Based on their successful 60 Days for 6 Million, published to
coincide with Yom Hashoa 2005, Tribe UK is now publishing an inspiring
commemorative and celebratory book to coincide with the State
of Israel's 60 anniversary, 60 Days for 60 Years: Israel 2008.
This book contains 60 inspirational essays from Jewish educators,
historians, writers and scholars, and is dedicated to the sacred
memory of the tens of thousands of soldiers who died defending
the Jewish state, and to the thousands of civilian victims of
terror. Download the flyer.
* A Dream
of Zion: American Jews reflect on Why Israel Matters to Them
This new book features the insights of top scholars, business
leaders, professionals, politicians, authors, media personalities,
scientists, artists, and community and religious leaders covering
the entire denominational spectrum of Jewish life in America today.
Presenting a diversity of views, it prompts people of all ages
and backgrounds to think about what Israel means to them and,
in particular, help young adults jump start their own lasting,
personal relationship with Israel.
*
The Israelis: Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land
Simon & Schuster is publishing a special updated edition of
The Israelis: Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land by Donna
Rosenthal to celebrate Israel's 60th anniversary. The Israelis
goes into barracks, bedrooms, boardrooms and playgrounds and lets
Israelis smash stereotypes -- from students to soldiers, to high-techies,
to Russians, Ethiopians, gays, ultra-Orthodox, non-Orthodox, Muslims,
Christians and Druze. For more information: www.TheIsraelis.net.
For Simon & Schuster bulk discounts and customized editions:
TheIsraelis@gmail.com.
* Israel through
My Lens: 60 Years as a Photojournalist:
This autobiography of the renowned Israeli photojournalist David
Rubinger chronicles his 60-year career as a photojournalist in
Israel with Time and Life magazines, and subsequently the 60-year
history of the nation of Israel. Rubinger is a winner of the Israel
Prize for services to the media and is the only photographer whose
work is on permanent display at the Knesset, Israel’s legislature.
Film
* The Jerusalem
Project
A world-wide dialogue-based learning initiative that helps geographically,
culturally and religiously disparate members of the Jewish community
better understand each other, themselves, and their shared history.
The film portrays deep and meaningful conversations featuring
stories about highly diverse young Jews from around the world
to inspire and encourage conversations on issues of Jewish life,
culture, and experience. The half-hour documentary pilot features
five young Jews in New York and four young Jews in Jerusalem talking
about the issues that face Jews today and what being Jewish means
to them. Visit www.jewishreconnectionproject.org so see preview
clips and contact Todd Schechter (917-553-7261) to arrange for
a free screening.
* Ma'aleh
School of Television, Film & the Arts Film Festival
The school was founded in Jerusalem in 1989 with the primary purpose
of providing religiously observant Jews with the opportunity to
receive the appropriate training that would prepare them to become
engaged in the world of Israeli film and television production
in a manner that is informed by the spirit of religious Zionism.
Bringing the festival to your community | Festival poster 1 |
Festival poster 2
* Eyes
Wide Open: American Jews Reflect on Israel
This a new documentary film that explores the complex relationship
that American Jews have with Israel. Learn more about the film
and find out how to arrange for a free screening in your community.
Exhibits
* Zion Ozeri
Photo Exhibit
This photographic project is to coincide with Israel @ 60 and
highlights the faces of the Israeli atypical and diverse family
structure. The photographs are from different geographical towns
& villages across Israel, mostly showing three to five generation
families, who came from different countries around the world including
India, Yemen, Morocco, USA, Argentina & Russia. View sample
images and a bio.
*
"Israel: 60 Years"
From art2art circulating exhibitions featuring sixty memorable
photographs in both black-and-white and color by members of the
acclaimed Magnum Photo Agency
* Dancing
the Dream
Showcases a collaborative effort between DeDe Dance Company, one
of the leading modern dance companies in Israel, and a group of
youngsters from Hadassah Neurim Youth Village, a haven for Israel’s
most disadvantaged youngsters who have been abused, neglected
or on the fringes of society. The company, will tour the U.S.for
a 2-1/2 week period following Passover through the 2nd week in
May 2008 to coincide with Israel's 60th Anniversary. Information
sheet including a link to a YouTube video.
* Macccabi
Tel Aviv basketball team exhibit @ Basketball Hall of Fame
Israeli basketball powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv will be honored
in an exhibit at the U.S. basketball Hall of Fame in May as part
of Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations.
* Jewish Historical
Society of Greater Washington (download exhibit pdf)
Louis D. Brandeis:
American Zionist
Sixteen framed panels describing Brandeis’ pivotal role in
organizations that aided in the establishment of the State of
Israel. The exhibition follows Brandeis from his youth to his
role in organizations such as the Zionist Organization of America
and Hadassah, describing his relationship with other influential
Zionists.
Ties that
Bind: Washington-Area Jews and the Birth of the State of Israel
This exhibition chronicles the involvement of the Washington Jewish
community in the struggle for Jewish statehood. Twenty-six hanging
panels.
Don’t
Whisper a Prayer, Sing Aloud a Song of Peace: Yitzhak Rabin in
Washington, 1968-1973
The exhibition chronicles Prime Minister Rabin’s life and
work in the nation’s capital. Many of the photographs taken
by White House photographers. Created in cooperation with the
Embassy of Israel. 25 framed photographs.
* Unknown
and Other Stories
51 original drawings from the first illustrated novel by the Israeli
comic-strip artist Rutu Modan. Click here for a release about
the exhibit.
* Art of the
State, Photography and Video Art from Israel
In the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam.
* Art Blue
and White
Art events from 972art for Israel @ 60. Read a letter and brochure
about the events listed below.
Blue and White
Leading Artists using the colors of the Israeli flag in their
creations
Avraham
Hay: Face to Face: Israeli artists in their studios
Photography
Zvi Lachman:
Portraits of Israeli poets
Divine In.tent
70 art tents addressing the meaning of tradition and religion
Artists Messengers
of Peace
50 art works about peace and war - Eretz Israel Museum original
issued day envelopes and prints on canvas
* Symbolic
Architecture: Doors of the Jewries
90 images of exterior doors, intimate spaces and sacred spaces
in the 21 cities belonging to the Network of Spanish Jewish Quarters.
* Essence
of Spain
63 black and white photographs of the 21 cities belonging to the
Network of Spanish Jewish Quarters.
Other Israel
@ 60 websites
* IsraelBirthday.com
* Israel @
60 site from the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations
(COP)
* Israel @ 60 events at universities (Israel on Campus Coalition)
* Israel @ 60 site from the Conservative movement (MERCAZ USA)
* Israel @ 60 participation details from the Reform movement (ARZA)
*
The Persistence of Vision: Israel at 60
This blog brings together five writers -- David Breakstone, Gil
Troy, Barry Leff, David Brinn and Neil Lazarus -- to blog about
the vision at the heart of the ideal of Israel. Their postings
are intended to spur an online discussion about the dream of Israel,
the development of Israel, and the future of Israel. The site
is an initiative of the World Zionist Organization’s Department
for Zionist Activities.
Israel embassy
and consulate contact information and materials can be found here.
FAIR USE NOTICE
This Israel 60 Birthday blog site contains some copyrighted materials
the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by
the copyright owner. We are making such material available in
our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political,
human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice
issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such
copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US
Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107,
the material on this site is distributed without profit to those
who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included
information for research and educational purposes. For more information
go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you
wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of
your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission
from the copyright owner.
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crisis communications, Internet marketing, search engine optimization
SEO and journalism. at 11:12 AM 0 comments
Israel 60 Birthday Anniversary
History, Heroes
& Hikes
Culture & Society
Resources, Ideas & Actions
Israel Today
Israel's 60 Best
Calendar
Galleries
Action for Israel
Buy60 From Google to Facebook
Israel President
Shimon Peres's conference marking 60 years of Israel independence
will bring world-renowned well-wishers to the capital, from Steven
Spielberg to US President George W. Bush, former USSR president
Mikhail Gorbachev, ex-US secretary of state Henry Kissinger and
Middle East Quartet envoy Tony Blair.
The Jewish
People Policy Planning Institute is developing the program for
the "Facing Tomorrow" conference, which will be held
on May 13-15 at the Jerusalem International Convention Center
in Israel (Binyenei Ha'uma). The conference will focus on "The
Global Tomorrow, The Jewish Tomorrow and The Israel Tomorrow."
"'Facing
Tomorrow' will be a synergistic gathering of major world leaders,
Jews and non-Jews, thinkers and doers, poets and physicists, rabbis
and entrepreneurs, including the next generation of leadership,
young men and women of exceptional promise and originality. Israel
President Peres is deeply committed to the success of 'Facing
Tomorrow' and will be personally engaged in the conference throughout
its proceedings," the organizers promise.
The foreign
participants at the conference in Jerusalem, Israel will also
include former Indonesian president Abdurrahman Wahid, French
philosopher Bernard-Henri Le'vy, Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, Georgian
President Mikheil Saakashvili, French Foreign Minister Bernard
Kouchner, former German foreign minister Joscka Fischer, the last
president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of the Czech
Republic, Vaclav Havel, News Corporation Chairman and CEO Rupert
Murdoch, social networking Web site Facebook's founder Mark Zuckerberg,
and Google co-founder Sergey Brin.
Also slated
to participate are Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, opposition
leader Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni
and Israel Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
Peres's convention
is a private initiative, separate from the government's official
Independence celebrations, which will start on the evening of
May 7, following the annual Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers.
The celebration
of the Israel's 60th anniversary will continue into 2009.
Posted by Joel Leyden - a profile in international public relations,
crisis communications, Internet marketing, search engine optimization
SEO and journalism. at 11:05 AM 0 comments
Israel @ 60 BookShelf - Israel 60th Birthday
Israel @ 60
BookShelf
The Education
Department of the Israel Jewish Agency is offering a number of
special publications for Israel's 60
Year of
Independence.
The Jewish
Agency in honor of the Israel 60 Birthday is also producing a
dedicated series of publications, including an Anthology of 60
Years of Israel Poetry and Shmittah in Israel's 60 year.
On Teaching
Israel
by Tuvia Book
Israel Yom HaZikaron, Yom HaAtzmaut
by Pazia Selah
Jewish Peoplehood
in the Global Age
by Ami Bouganim
Sites and Sources by Ami Bouganim
Stay tuned
for more details, information, and publications.
Please contact Eitan Eliram: eitane@jafi.org if you are interested
in writing a book, translating one of our existing publications
into your own language, or acquiring one of these publications
for your teachers
Israel
Prepares For its 60th Birthday Party
www.israelbirthday.com
Israel will
celebrate its birthday in style with laser shows, parades, other
extravagant events. New bike paths, as well as 60 playgrounds,
picnic sites to open in honor of country’s Independence Day
Zvi Zinger
YNET / Optimized by Joel Leyden - IsraelPr.com
Just how is
Israel going to celebrate its 60th birthday anniversary? In style,
that’s for sure. IAF air-show, paratrooper demonstrations,
large-scale Woodstock style concerts, laser shows, and, of course,
the traditional fireworks are all in store to help launch Israel’s
60th Independence Day celebrations.
Israel Minister Ruhama Avraham-Balila, who is charged with organizing
the Israel birthday anniversary celebrations, held a press conference
this week and announced all of the events planned for Israel’s
big anniversary bash. Here is how we’re all going to celebrate
Israel's 60th Birthday:
On the eve
of Israel Independence Day, May 7, a spectacular laser, music
and light show will adorn Israel’s skies. Residents of Beersheba,
Eilat, Haifa, Netanya , Tiberias, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ashdod
will all be able to enjoy and marvel at this brilliant spectacle.
On Israel
Independence Day Itself, Wednesday May 8, The Israeli Air Force
will treat us all to an impressive air show and a fly-by across
Israel’s skies. A huge paratrooper demonstration will also
take place, as well as a naval review by the Israeli Sea Corps.
Israel President, Shimon Peres, will also hold a joint birthday
party at his Jerusalem residence for all Israelis sharing a Hebrew-calendar
birthday with the State of Israel.
Israel 60 Birthday Air show in store
The Israel
birthday 60 party does not end here, however. On the day following
Israel Independence Day, May 9, three huge anniversary parties
will celebrate Israel’s Independence with the finest in Israel
music. The three massive Israel birthday concerts will take place,
respectively, in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square as well as in Nitzanim
beach in the south and Achziv beach in the north. Each of these
concerts will be geared toward different age groups, and will
feature different and unique musical styles.
“These
are not extravagant, lavish bashes, but Israel 60th birthday concerts
geared toward all of Israel’s citizens; not just the A-list
crowd that has dominated previous Independence Day events,”
said Minister Avraham.
Special projects
to also mark 60th anniversary
In addition to these special events and concerts, Israel’s
60th anniversary will be marked with several special projects
that have already begun months ago, and will continue long after
the anniversary celebrations are just a dim memory.
Israel’s
infrastructure will be getting a 60th anniversary makeover. A
60 kilometer (37 miles) path will be constructed in and around
Lake Kineret, and 60 monuments for the casualties of Israel’s
War of Independence will be renovated. A new state bike path,
covering over 1,200 Kilometers (745 miles) will be opened, as
well as 60 picnic sites complete with wheelchair access. Israel’s
children also have cause for celebration with the opening of 60
new, and uniquely designed, playgrounds across Israel.
Kinneret to get 60-kiolmeter trail for
Israel 60th birthday
New educational
and cultural initiatives have, and will be, launched in honor
of Israel’s independence as well. Some 45,000 Israel students
in the 10th and 11th grades now have the opportunity to tour the
region between Latrun and Jerusalem and learn about the battles
that raged in this area during Israel’s War of Independence
as well as the Six Day War. Over 3,500 students tread these paths
daily, learning about the valor lying in our country’s past.
Furthermore, a national competition of children’s artwork
will also take place, with the winning pictures featured in a
calendar specially designed for Israel’s 60th anniversary.
More unique
Israel birthday projects include an exhibition and photo album
to be presented in Yad Vashem in honor of the Holocaust survivors
who have been such an invaluable part of the State of Israel during
its 60 years of existence. In September, furthermore, a special
violin concert conducted by Shlomo Mintz will be held in the old
city of Jerusalem, featuring violins damaged in the Holocaust
and mended specifically for this unique event.
Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert commented on Israel’s 60th
anniversary celebrations during a cabinet meeting Sunday, and
stated that “these will not be gaudy, pointless celebrations,
but events that highlight how far the country has come in 60 years,
and the challenges that we all still face in terms of education
and culture. Unlike previous celebrations, this year’s events
will allow all of Israel’s citizens to truly celebrate the
country’s independence, as well as take part in a vital,
important growth process that we hope to launch as the country
turns 60.”
Anniversary
Celebrations Events.
Hold the date for
the Israel @ 60: A Capital Celebration, Sunday, June 1, 2008,
noon to 5:00 p.m. on the National Mall. Join us for an exciting
day to celebrate 60 years of Israel’s achievements. Top music
performers, featuring REGINA SPEKTOR, Tony and Emmy Award-winning
actor, Mandy Patinkin, Israeli rock band, Mashina, Sesame Street
Muppets Oscar and Oofnik, theater, family activities and more!
Learn More
Pinchas Zukerman with
CSO
When: Thurs., April 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Cincinnati Music Hall, downtown
What: Hear the beautiful sounds of violinist and conductor Pinchas
Zukerman, who has been recognized as a musical phenomenon for
nearly four decades. He is a native of Israel and his musical
genius and prodigious technique have long been a marvel to critics
and audiences, and his exceptional artistic standards continue
to earn him the highest acclaim.
The
Holocaust, Israel and Us
When: Sun., May 4 at
10:00 a.m.
Where: Wise Center
What: Dr. Michael Berenbaum will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Berenbaum,
director of the Sigi Ziering Center for the Study of the Holocaust
and Ethics at American Jewish University and Professor of Jewish
Studies. In honor of Israel's 60th birthday, Berenbaum will discuss
the historical events surrounding the end of World War II, the
establishment of the State of Israel, and the implications of
the Holocaust for Israel today.
Israel
History
The ship
Exodus 1947 became a symbol of Aliya Bet — illegal immigration.
After World War II, illegal immigration increased and the British
authorities decided to stop it by sending the ships back to the
ports of embarkation in Europe. The first ship to which this policy
was applied was the Exodus 1947.
The ship sailed
from the port of Site, near Marseilles, on July 11, 1947, with
4,515 immigrants, including 655 children, on board. As soon as
it left the territorial waters of France, British destroyers accompanied
it. On July 18, near the coast of Palestine but outside territorial
waters, the British rammed the ship and boarded it, while the
immigrants put up a desperate defense.
Two immigrants
and a crewman were killed in the battle, and 30 were wounded.
The ship was towed to Haifa, where the immigrants were forced
onto deportation ships bound for France. At Port-de-Bouc, in southern
France, the would-be immigrants remained in the ships’ holds
for 24 days during a heat wave, refusing to disembark despite
the shortage of food, the crowding and the abominable sanitary
conditions.
The French
government refused to force them off the boat. Eventually, the
British decided to return the would-be immigrants to Germany,
and on August 22 the ship left for the port of Hamburg, then in
the British occupation zone. The immigrants were forcibly taken
off and transported to two camps near Lubeck.
Journalists
who covered the dramatic struggle described to the entire world
the heartlessness and cruelty of the British. World public opinion
was outraged and the British changed their policy. Illegal immigrants
were not sent back to Europe; they were instead transported to
detention camps in Cyprus.
The majority
of the passengers on the Exodus 1947 settled in Israel, though
some had to wait until after the establishment of the State of
Israel.
Remember the days of
old, consider the years of many generations... (Deuteronomy 32:7)
The birthplace of the
Jewish people is the Land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael). There, a
significant part of the nation's long history was enacted, of
which the first thousand years are recorded in the Bible; there,
its cultural, religious, and national identity was formed; and
there, its physical presence has been maintained through the centuries,
even after the majority was forced into exile.
During the many years
of dispersion, the Jewish people never severed nor forgot its
bond with the Land. With the establishment of the State of Israel
in 1948, Jewish independence, lost 2,000 years earlier, was renewed.
Archeology in Israel
involves the systematic investigation of all the remains of the
country's past - from prehistory to the end of Ottoman rule. The
profusion of material remains is evidence of the many cultures
that have left their imprint on the Land.
Above all archeological
research clearly reveals the historical link between the Jewish
people, the Bible and the Land of Israel, uncovering the remains
of the cultural heritage of the Jewish people in its homeland.
These visible remains,
buried in the soil, constitute the physical link between the past,
the present and the future of the Jewish people in its country.
This unbroken chain
of history can be observed at sites all over the country. Jerusalem,
the capital of Israel, has been the focus of extensive archeological
activity and remains of 5,000 years of history have been revealed.
TIMELINE OF HISTORICAL
HIGHLIGHTS
17th-6th C. BCE BIBLICAL TIMES
(BCE - Before the Common Era)
c.17th century
c.13th century Exodus from Egypt: Moses leads Israelites from
Egypt, followed by 40 years of wandering in the desert.
Torah, including the Ten Commandments, received at Mount Sinai.
13th-12th
centuries Israelites settle in the Land of Israel
c.1020 Jewish monarchy established; Saul, first king.
c.1000 Jerusalem made capital of David's kingdom.
c.960 First Temple, the national and spiritual center of the Jewish
people, built in Jerusalem by King Solomon.
c. 930 Divided kingdom: Judah and Israel
722-720 Israel crushed by Assyrians; 10 tribes exiled (Ten Lost
Tribes).
586
Judah conquered by
Babylonia; Jerusalem and First Temple destroyed; most Jews exiled.
THE SECOND TEMPLE
PERIOD
538-142 Persian and Hellenistic periods
538-515 Many Jews return from Babylonia; Temple rebuilt.
332 Land conquered by Alexander the Great; Hellenistic rule.
166-160
Maccabean (Hasmonean)
revolt against restrictions on practice of Judaism and desecration
of the Temple
142-129 Jewish autonomy under Hasmoneans.
129-63 Jewish independence under Hasmonean monarchy.
63 Jerusalem captured by Roman general, Pompey.
63 BCE-313
CE
Roman rule
63-4 BCE
Herod, Roman vassal
king, rules the Land of Israel;
Temple in Jerusalem refurbished
(CE - The Common Era)
c. 20-33 Ministry of Jesus of Nazareth
66 Jewish revolt against the Romans
70 Destruction of Jerusalem and Second Temple.
73 Last stand of Jews at Masada.
132-135 Bar Kokhba uprising against Rome.
c. 210 Codification of Jewish oral law (Mishna) completed.
FOREIGN DOMINATION
313-636 Byzantine rule
c. 390 Commentary on the Mishna (Jerusalem Talmud) completed.
614 Persian invasion
636-1099 Arab rule
691 On site of First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, Dome of
the Rock built by Caliph Abd el-Malik.
1099-1291 Crusader domination
(Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem)
1291-1516 Mamluk rule
1517-1917 Ottoman rule
1564 Code of Jewish law (Shulhan Arukh) published.
1860 First neighborhood built outside walls of Jerusalem's Old
City.
1882-1903 First Aliya (large-scale immigration), mainly from Russia.
1897
First Zionist Congress
convened by Theodor Herzl in Basel, Switzerland; Zionist Organization
founded.
1904-14 Second Aliya, mainly from Russia and Poland.
1909 First kibbutz, Degania, and first modern all-Jewish city,
Tel Aviv, founded.
1917 400 years of Ottoman rule ended by British conquest;
British Foreign Minister Balfour pledges support for establishment
of a "Jewish national home in Palestine"
1918-48
British rule
1919-23 Third Aliya, mainly from Russia
1920 Histadrut (General Federation of Labor) and Haganah (Jewish
defense organization) founded.
Vaad Leumi (National Council) set up by Jewish community (Yishuv)
to conduct its affairs.
1921 First moshav (cooperative village), Nahalal, founded.
1922 Britain granted Mandate for Palestine (Land of Israel) by
League of Nations; Transjordan set up on three-fourths of the
area, leaving one fourth for the Jewish national home.
Jewish Agency representing Jewish community vis-a-vis Mandate
authorities set up.
1924
Technion, first institute
of technology, founded in Haifa.
1924-32 Fourth Aliya, mainly from Poland.
1925 Hebrew University of Jerusalem opened on Mount Scopus.
1929 Hebron Jews massacred by Arab terrorists.
1936-39 Anti-Jewish riots instigated by Arab terrorists.
1939 Jewish immigration severely limited by British White Paper.
1939-45 World War II; Holocaust in Europe.
1941 Lehi underground movement formed; Palmach, strike force of
Haganah, set up.
1944 Jewish Brigade formed as part of British forces.
1947 UN proposes the establishment of Arab and Jewish states in
the Land.
STATE OF ISRAEL 1948
End of British Mandate
(14 May)
State of Israel proclaimed (14 May).
Israel invaded by five Arab states (15 May).
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) established.
War of Independence (May 1948-July 1949).
1949
Armistice agreements
signed with Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon.
Jerusalem divided under Israeli and Jordanian rule.
First Knesset (parliament) elected.
Israel admitted to United Nations as 59th member.
1948-52
Mass immigration from
Europe and Arab countries.
1956 Sinai Campaign
1962 Adolf Eichmann tried and executed in Israel for his part
in the Holocaust.
1964
National Water Carrier
completed, bringing water from Lake Kinneret in the north to the
semi-arid south.
1967
Six-Day War; Jerusalem
reunited.
1968-70 Egypt's War of Attrition against Israel
1973 Yom Kippur War
1975 Israel becomes an associate member of the European Common
Market.
1977 Likud forms government after Knesset elections, end of 30
years of Labor rule.
Visit of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat to Jerusalem.
1978 Camp David Accords include framework for comprehensive peace
in the Middle East and proposal for Palestinian self-government.
1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty signed.
Prime Minister Menachem Begin and President Anwar Sadat awarded
Nobel Peace Prize.
1981 Israel Air Force destroys Iraqi nuclear reactor just before
it is to become operative.
1982 Israel's three-stage withdrawal from Sinai Peninsula completed.
Operation Peace for Galilee removes Palestine Liberation Organization
(PLO) terrorists from Lebanon.
1984 National unity government (Likud and Labor) formed after
elections.
Operation Moses, immigration of Jews from Ethiopia.
1985 Free Trade Agreement signed with United States.
1987 Widespread violence (Intifada) starts in Israeli-administered
areas.
1988 Likud government wins elections.
1989
Four-point peace initiative
proposed by Israel.
Start of mass immigration of Jews from former Soviet Union.
1991 Israel attacked by Iraqi Scud missiles during Gulf war.
Middle East peace conference convened in Madrid;
Operation Solomon, airlift of Jews from Ethiopia.
1992 Diplomatic relations established with China and India.
New government headed by Yitzhak Rabin of Labor Party.
1993 Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements
for the Palestinians signed by Israel and PLO, as representative
of the Palestinian people (Oslo Accords).
1994
Implementation of Palestinian
self-government in Gaza Strip and Jericho area.
Full diplomatic relations with the Holy See.
Morocco and Tunisia interest offices set up.
Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty signed.
Rabin, Peres, Arafat awarded Nobel Peace Prize.
1995 Broadened Palestinian self-government implemented in West
Bank and Gaza Strip; Palestinian Council elected.
Prime Minister Rabin assassinated at peace rally.
Shimon Peres becomes prime minister.
1996 Fundamentalist Arab terrorism against Israel escalates.
Operation Grapes of Wrath, retaliation for Hizbullah terrorists'
attacks on northern Israel.
Trade representation offices set up in Oman and Qatar.
Likud forms government after Knesset elections.
Binyamin Netanyahu elected prime minister.
Omani trade representation office opened in Tel Aviv.
1997 Hebron Protocol signed by Israel and the PA.
1998
Israel celebrates
its 50th anniversary.
Israel and the PLO sign the Wye River Memorandum to facilitate
implementation of the Interim Agreement.
1999 Ehud Barak (left-wing One Israel party) elected prime minister;
forms coalition government.
Israel and the PLO sign the Sharm-el-Sheikh Memorandum.
2000 Visit of Pope Paul II.
Israel withdraws from the Security Zone in southern Lebanon.
Israel admitted to UN Western European and Others Group.
Renewed violence (Second Intifada). Prime Minister Barak resigns.
2001 Ariel Sharon (Likud) elected Prime Minister; forms broad-based
unity government.
The Sharm-el-Sheikh Fact-Finding Committee report (Mitchell Report)
issued.
Palestinian-Israeli Security Implementation Work Plan (Tenet ceasefire
plan) proposed.
Rechavam Ze'evy, Minister of Tourism, assassinated by Palestinian
terrorists.
2002
Israel launches Operation Defensive Shield in response to massive
Palestinian terrorist attacks.
Israel begins building the anti-terrorist fence to stop West Bank
terrorists from killing Israeli citizens.
Prime Minister Sharon disperses the Knesset, calling for new elections
to be held on 28 January 2003.
2003
Right-of-center coalition government formed by Prime Minister
Ariel Sharon.
Israel accepts the Roadmap.
2005
Israel carries out the Disengagement Plan, ending Israel's presence
in the Gaza Strip.
2006
After Prime Minister
Sharon suffers a stroke, Ehud Olmert becomes acting prime minister.
Following elections on 28 March, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert forms
new government led by the Kadima Party.
Israel carried out military operations against Palestinian terrorists
in Gaza after kidnapping of Israeli soldier.
The Second War in Lebanon, during which Israel carried out military
operations against Hizbullah terrorism from southern Lebanon,
following missile attacks and kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers.
2007
Shimon Peres elected
President by the Knesset.
Israel declares Gaza "hostile territory" following Hamas
violent takeover of Gaza Strip.
