Community-Wide Celebration of Israel's 75th Anniversary of Statehood

The Charlotte Jewish News, March 2023

By Tair Guidice, JFGC Chief Impact Officer

A few minutes after sundown following Yom Ha’Zikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day), the Israeli flag on Mount Herzl is raised from half-staff (in memory of the fallen soldiers and victims of terror) to the top of the pole, and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) begins. Celebrated on the fifth day of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, this is the anniversary of the day (corresponding to the Gregorian date of May 14, 1948) on which David Ben-Gurion publicly read the Israeli Declaration of Independence.

Across Israel, families celebrate the holiday with picnics, barbecues, and hikes. Israeli flags are everywhere, and IDF camps are open for visits by civilians. At the end of Yom Ha’Atzmaut, the “Israel Prize” is awarded to individuals and organizations for their unique contributions to Israel’s culture and science, the arts, and the humanities.

This year, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is honored to present this special Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration on behalf of our community as we mark Israel’s 75th birthday with live music, children’s activities, and authentic Israeli food.

This year’s celebration will feature Aveva Dese, an Ethiopian-Israeli singer-songwriter. Aveva is part of the first generation of Ethiopian Jews who were born and raised in Israel. Also known as “Beta Israel” or “Israelites,” the community was first established in Ethiopia during the fourth century A.D. Aveva’s parents were among thousands of refugees living in Sudanese refugee camps in the early 1980s, escaping the civil war in Ethiopia. In a joint effort between the governments of Israel and the United States, dubbed “Operation Moses,” the Sudanese government allowed them to leave and many resettled in Israel. As a first-generation immigrant from Ethiopia, Aveva brings a fascinating life story into her music, and singing, about society, freedom, and love. She brings her own cultural flare to the table with her “Afro-Soul” style: a mix of powerful texts (in both English and Amharic) and traditional Ethiopian sounds. With a kicking beat and Aveva’s beautiful voice and charm, audiences are lifted to their feet in dance. Originally discovered on the Israeli version of “The Voice,” Aveva has displayed her universal appeal on tours with Idan Raichel and with her original music at festivals across Israel, Europe, and North America, including a special show at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Israel turns 75 only once!

We hope you will join us on April 26 at Shalom Park for this unique opportunity to hear Aveva in concert, enjoy delicious Kosher, Israeli food, and celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday! Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and music begins at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.jewishcharlotte.org.