Celebrate Israel at 60 with Our Non-Jewish Friends
Celebrations of 60th Anniversary of Israel celebrations began on a significant day last month, November 29. 
On November 29, 1947 the 33 member states of the United Nations passed the Partition Plan declaring Israel a state. These countries voted in favor of the creation of a Jewish state alongside a Palestinian state because they believed in the cause and the need for each people to have a homeland. Their commitment to Israel’s right to be created and exist is continuously appreciated and these countries were rightly included in many of the kick off celebrations for Israel at 60 last month. Click here to read about the celebration with representatives of these countries in Chicago.
As this year continues, Israel at 60 commemorations carry on; communities, organizations, synagogues, individuals, and Israeli consulates should continue to invite members of these countries to their celebrations as well as other non-Jewish friends, neighbors, colleagues, and co-workers. Politics and conflict aside – all countries experience their fair share of difficult issues – Israel is a country rich with culture, beauty, innovation, sports, history, family, arts, music, community… and my list can go on. I believe that it is our job as members of the pro-Israel community to involve our non-Jewish friends and allow them to experience how wonderful Israel, a country we all love so much, is.
India – an ally of Israel (click here to read Delhi Statement on Friendship and Cooperation between India and Israel - Sept 10- 2003) – is also celebrating their 60th Anniversary this year. Creating joint celebrations between the American - Jewish community and American - Indian community is a positive way to build the relationship between the two groups. In addition, involving the broader non-Jewish, non-Indian community could help educate everyone on the shared values of both communities. (To visit the Indian Consulate in New York’s Incredible India @ 60 website, please click here.)
On November 29, 1947 the 33 member states of the United Nations passed the Partition Plan declaring Israel a state. These countries voted in favor of the creation of a Jewish state alongside a Palestinian state because they believed in the cause and the need for each people to have a homeland. Their commitment to Israel’s right to be created and exist is continuously appreciated and these countries were rightly included in many of the kick off celebrations for Israel at 60 last month. Click here to read about the celebration with representatives of these countries in Chicago.
As this year continues, Israel at 60 commemorations carry on; communities, organizations, synagogues, individuals, and Israeli consulates should continue to invite members of these countries to their celebrations as well as other non-Jewish friends, neighbors, colleagues, and co-workers. Politics and conflict aside – all countries experience their fair share of difficult issues – Israel is a country rich with culture, beauty, innovation, sports, history, family, arts, music, community… and my list can go on. I believe that it is our job as members of the pro-Israel community to involve our non-Jewish friends and allow them to experience how wonderful Israel, a country we all love so much, is.
India – an ally of Israel (click here to read Delhi Statement on Friendship and Cooperation between India and Israel - Sept 10- 2003) – is also celebrating their 60th Anniversary this year. Creating joint celebrations between the American - Jewish community and American - Indian community is a positive way to build the relationship between the two groups. In addition, involving the broader non-Jewish, non-Indian community could help educate everyone on the shared values of both communities. (To visit the Indian Consulate in New York’s Incredible India @ 60 website, please click here.)
