On May 15, 2016 Federation’s Israel Fest brought together 2,000 attendees, and more than 60 different organizations, to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day.  The day begun with Friendship Circle’s annual walk and continued with a fun entertainment and music by Peatot, Jonathan Valverde, Kavod Elementary Charter School, Tarbuton, Shevet Galim – Israel Scouts of San Diego and the Ken Jewish Community Dancers.

“Federation's mission is to connect and strengthen the local Jewish community and its relations with Israel. We were so pleased to see our vibrant and diverse community come together in honor of Israel,” noted Heather Wolfson, Senior Director of Community Partnerships in the Jewish Federation.

Federation partnered with a number of local organizations to make this event such a success.

“Israel Fest was very successful, with a real spirit of how it should feel and with so many people from our community that made the day very special”, says Yarden Abed, a 12th grader who is the Youth Coordinator of the Israeli Scouts in San Diego.   

“Israel’s independence day is one of the most special days in Israel when you really feel how the whole country celebrate together.  This year at Israel Fest I felt as if I was celebrating in Israel.  The people, music, dancing, food, and booths helped to make this day so special and to be proud of our community”, says Ofri Avgil, an 11th grader the lead Youth Counselor with the Israeli Scouts in San Diego.  Ofri was born in Israel and her family moved to San Diego when she was at a very young age. 

“The San Diego Jewish community is very strong and diverse”, says Yarden.  “While we have many differences among us, we come together as Jews and connect to one another.  I’d like to see more events like Israeli Fest that bring the community together.”

We would like to thank the San Diego Jewish Academy for hosting the event so graciously. We especially want to thank our premier partners.

To see more amazing photos from the festival check out our Facebook albums: Here, here, and here.

Save the date for Israel Fest on May 7, 2017!