Hadag Nahash, a popular Israeli hip hop and funk band, and The Maccabeats, a Jewish a cappella group and YouTube sensation, will headline this year’s Israel Solidarity Day, JUF’s annual community celebration of Israel’s birthday.

Each year, Israel Solidarity Day brings together the Jewish community to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) and stand together in support of Israel. This year we’re back in the park at Ravinia Festival, where we will come together for one big event filled with music, family fun, and Israeli spirit in celebration of Israel’s 67th anniversary.

So don your blue and white and join us at Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road in Highland Park, on Sunday, May 3, for JUF’s 2015 Israel Solidarity Day!

This year’s celebration is co-chaired by Jennifer and Joshua Herz.

“Jen and I both had the opportunity to participate in Israel solidarity day when we were growing up in our respective communities,” Joshua Herz said. “It gives us great pride to have the opportunity to chair JUF’s Israel Solidarity Day this year. It’s going to be a great day of music, food, games, friends, and family topped off with a walk. We hope that the whole Chicago Jewish community will come out and join us in celebrating Israel.”

The fun begins at 10:30 a.m. when the doors will open for registration. In the morning, Rick Recht will perform a special concert for young families (11 a.m). The celebration continues into the afternoon with performances by the Jamman Drum Circle (11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.), The Macccabeats (12 p.m.) and Hadag Nahash (3 p.m.); and all are invited to participate in the three-mile Walk with Israel and one-mile Family Walk (1:15 p.m.).

All performances will take place under the Ravinia Festival Pavilion where seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The lawn will also be open for seating.

Throughout the day, there will be tents with activities for children of all ages and special youth/teen programming including an interactive gaga tournament. Participants are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and kosher food will be available for purchase.

Dollars raised at this year’s Israel Solidarity Day will support Israel Children’s Zone, an innovative program providing critical services to Israel’s most vulnerable children. Located in our Partnership Region, JUF’s Israel Children’s Zone helps disadvantaged students enrich their lives and boost their educational achievement.

Those who raise $100 or more toward Israel Solidarity Day will receive a $100 JUF Israel Experience Voucher or JUF Mission Voucher (limited to one per person per year).

Volunteers are needed for a variety of important positions to make the event run smoothly. All Israel Solidarity Day volunteers will receive a complimentary TOV t-shirt. For more information on volunteer roles, shift times or to sign up to volunteer, call the JUF TOV Volunteer Network at (312) 444-2850 or visit www.juf.org/ISD.

The day’s main programming will take place in the afternoon to accommodate congregational schools. Register online to participate, volunteer and/or donate at www.juf.org/ISD.