Thousands gather at American Jewish University to celebrate Israel's 60th birthday
By Brennan Whitmore Special to the Acorn

CELEBRATING THE HOLY LAND- Above, Doris Nagola and son Ethan, 7, enjoy the face painting at "Israel at 60," a mega-celebration of Israel's 60th anniversary held at American Jewish University's Brandeis-Bardin campus in Simi Valley on Sunday. The seven-hour event included many speakers, live music, crafts, vendors and food. At right, Moshav, a nationally known band from Israel, plays for the crowd.

More than 2,000 people gathered at American Jewish University's Brandeis-Bardin campus in Simi Valley on Sunday to join in the celebration of Israel's 60th birthday.

For many in attendance who have lived through the nation's years of turmoil, there was no question that 60 years marked a major milestone.

"I think that the 60th birthday is a major celebration, given all the conflicts and concerns about Israel's future," said Steven Spiegel, one of the moderators for the event. "The fact that Israel has lasted 60 years is reason enough to celebrate."

Several prominent figures from Los Angeles' Jewish community came to the BrandeisBardin campus to mark the occasion, including Dr. Daryl Temkin, director of Los Angeles' Israel Institute.

Photos by IRIS SMOOT Acorn Newspapers

Temkin's lecture was titled "Israel at 70: Five Major Challenges for the Next Decade."

"Israel has so much happening and (is) contributing to the world of science and technology," Temkin said. "It's truly beyond belief."

Looking ahead, Temkin addressed the topic of growing antiSemitism in the 21st century.

"They did a study and found that over 50 percent of adults under the age of 55 would not feel anything if Israel was taken off the face of the earth," Temkin said. "How has that happened? This is something that must be rectified in the next decade."

Longtime Congressman Howard Berman (D-Los Angeles), who represents L.A.'s 28th District, spoke of the political concerns surrounding Israel as well as the struggles the United States has faced in dealing with the IsraelPalestinian conflict. He criticized the current administration for their dealings in the Middle East.

"It's not enough to love Israel and want a strong USIsraeli relationship," Berman said. "Whether it is a lack of a coherent energy policy or pushing elections in Palestinian areas where a terrorist organization is one of the parties on the ballot- this administration's policies don't match its intent."

While speakers touched on serious topics, the overall attitude of the seven-hour event was one of celebration and pride. The day featured Israeli arts and crafts, pony and camels rides, kosher food vendors and a climbing wall.

One of the event's organizers, Gady Levy, said that the occasion was a great chance to let the community get a "taste of Judaism."

"I think it's important to have a celebration like this," Levy said. "I think the community can benefit from it."

Many visitors traveled a great distance and all braved 100-plus temperatures to celebrate.

Shiri Arad, a Hebrew language children's performer, used the event as an opportunity to introduce her educational entertainment to the diverse audience, while at the same time celebrating Israel.

"I think it is a unique idea to bring all the people, not just Jewish and Israeli, and celebrate that we have had Israel for 60 years," Arad said. "Hopefully we will have it for another 60."