On a crisp, sunny Monday afternoon in downtown Chicago, Daley Plaza, Israel lovers of all ages turned out to celebrate Israel’s 67th birthday.

The event was organized by the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago–with support from the city of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest, and the Fifth House Ensemble.

Skip Schrayer, chairman of JUF’s Jewish Community Relations Council, welcomed the crowd. He announced that JUF is collecting funds to help those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal and other parts of India on April 25. Schrayer also acknowledged the passing of Chicago Archbishop Cardinal Francis George, who led by example in the realm of Catholic-Jewish relations in Chicago.

Cantor Alberto Mizrahi, of Anshe Emet Synagogue, led the crowd in the singing of the U.S. and Israeli national anthems, as the Israeli flag was raised high and proud to mark 67 years of Israel’s independence.

The afternoon served up a celebration of music, featuring the Israeli folk band Baladino, who performs Sephardic and Ladino melodies, and blended their sounds with Chicago-based chamber music group Fifth House Ensemble.

“This was not an easy summer as you all know,” said Roey Gilad, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest. “One thing we know–when we need the support of the people of Chicago, when we need the support of the Jewish community, when we need support of JUF, support is always there.”

The Consulate Generals of Greece and Spain also attended today’s event.

The party continues this Sunday, May 3, at Israel Solidarity Day , JUF’s annual community celebration of Israel’s birthday. Popular music groups Hadag Nahash and The Maccabeats will headline this year’s festivities.

Dollars raised will benefit Israel’s Children’s Zone, a program offering critical services to Israel’s most vulnerable children located in JUF’s Partnership Region.

~Cindy Sher