Thornhill
May 03, 2008 11:34 PM
By: David Fleischer
Celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Israel’s independence take place around the world this week and York Region has good reason to mark the occasion.
With one of the biggest Israeli and Jewish communities in North America, many in the region have a personal connection to the historic day.
“For us, wherever you are, every Independence Day is a very exciting day,” said Galya Sarner, founder of the Israeli Forum.
Her group, via the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, hosts programs and provides a social network for the more than 10,000 Israelis in the area.
They operate a Hebrew school at Thornhill’s Leo Baeck school and organize cultural events under the banner of “Hamifgash,” which translates as “The Meeting Place.” Not coincidentally, that is also the translation of “Toronto.”
On June 8, they hold a street festival on Ilan Ramon Boulevard, the Vaughan street named after the Israeli astronaut who perished in the explosion of the Columbia space shuttle.
Ms Sarner has lived here for four years, but still has a strong connection to her homeland, including two daughters serving in the Israeli army.
And those who grew up here have feelings just as strong as native Israelis.
“My father was a Zionist and he and I both cried when it happened. We were overwhelmed,” Thornhill resident Chuck Zaoinz said of May 14, 1948 the day Israel declared its statehood.
Because Israel follows the lunar Jewish calendar, the anniversary falls on May 8 this year. Israel’s independence day also takes place after a national memorial day, giving context to celebrations.
Mr. Zaionz was 12 years old in 1948 and still remembers the wave which swept through the community.
“People reacted with joy and jubilation,” he said. “It was a big day for the Jewish population of this city.”
“For us, wherever you are, every Independence Day is a very exciting day.”
Two days later, thousands packed Maple Leafs Gardens, rallying in support of the new state. Though he was unable to get tickets for everyone who wanted them, Mr. Zaionz and his mother were among those in attendance.
“It was pretty exciting. It was crowded and the seats were full,” he said.
In recollection of that rally, the UJA holds a celebration at the Ricoh Coliseum Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Movie director Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters) hosts the event which includes performances by Israeli hip hop band Hadag Nachash and a choir comprised of students from Jewish day schools across the city, including Thornhill’s Netivot HaTorah, Associated and United Synagogue Day Schools.
A family festival is at 4:30 p.m.
Buses transport participants from the BAYT synagogue (613 Clark Ave.) in Thornhill.
For more information about Israelat60, you can visit israelat60.ca