Courtesy: Israel Ministry of Tourism

In honor of Israel’s 60th birthday, CBS-TV in New York ran a special edition of its Eye on New York program focusing on Israel’s achievements. You can watch the full video–with appearances from Consul General Asaf Shariv and Ambassador Dan Gillerman on the CBS site.

Here’s your chance to meet the top-ranked player who turned down a spot in the NBA draft to join the fledgling Maccabi Tel Aviv Team — and hear his story.

“Hoop it Up for Israel! Celebrate Israel’s 60th Birthday” fills the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA on Sunday, May 18 from 12:00 – 4:00 PM. In the spotlight will be the legendary Tal Brody, along with fellow Maccabi great Mickey Berkowitz and Shimon Mizrahi who, as Chairman of Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club, was ranked by Time as one of the world’s 50 most important sports executives.

Not only will fans get to hear from these consummate athletes who have played such dramatic roles in the history of both basketball and Israel at a 2:30PM presentation, they’ll also have the opportunity to shoot hoops on Center Court at the Hall of Fame, enjoy a day of family entertainment, authentic kosher Israeli food and heavily discounted admission to the Hall of Fame.

A BONUS: Witnessing the unveiling of the new Hall of Fame exhibit, “Putting Israel on the Map; the Macabbi Tel Aviv Story,” boasting historic footage, European Cups, team jerseys, photos documenting the Cold War-defying Maccabi Team and more. The exhibit, remaining up until September, promises to attract countless Berkshires summer tourists.

At only 2½ hours from New York City and 1½ from Boston, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame draws fans from across the East Coast.

Tickets for this special day cost $6 for adults and $3 for kids 15 and under (4 and under are free) at the door on Sunday, May 18 ONLY. In honor of Israel’s birthday, this price admits visitors to not only the event and the new exhibit, but to the entire Basketball Hall of Fame (usually costing $16.99 for adults and $11.99 for kids).

“Hoop it Up for Israel!” is sponsored by the Anna P. Housen Israel Desk of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts with additional support from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and individual donors.

For more information, call the Federation at (413) 737-4313 or visit www.jewishwesternmass.org.

Note: Advance tickets ($5 adults, $3 kids 5-15) are available at the Springfield JCC, the Yiddish Book Center Bookstore in Amherst or by calling 413.231.5513 at the Basketball Hall of Fame.

As yesterday was the big day to celebrate Israel@60 (it was Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day), the place to be was Washington Square Park for the Cool Israel Party.
Hundreds of people showed up to dance, enjoy Israeli music, and say “Happy Birthday” to an absolutely amazing country.
For more event pictures, see the Consulate on Facebook.

Thanks to Israel21 for this great tour of Israel and her diverse population (with Yael Naim’s great soundtrack as an added bonus!).

Come one, come all to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day!!
Where: Washington Square Park
When: Thursday 08 May 4-7 PM
FREE to all!!

New York City will celebrate the State of Israel’s 60th Anniversary on Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day on Wednesday, May 7th at Radio City Music Hall at 8 PM. The musical gala will feature Yael Naim, (”New Soul,” featured in Apple’s MacBook commercial), reggae superstar Matisyahu, Paul Shaffer of the David Letterman Show, MacArthur “genius” composer/performer John Zorn and four of Israel’s top artists - Idan Raichel, Rami Kleinstein, David Broza and Habanot Nechama.

The evening will also feature remarks from Governor David Paterson, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Israeli Ambassador Dan Gillerman and Consul General Asaf Sharif.

The historic cultural gathering will be the largest such celebration of its kind, and is supported by over 100 Jewish organizations including the UJA Federation of New York, Consulate General of Israel, Jewish Community Relations Council, Dor Chadash and other key groups representing a majority of the organized American Jewish community.

“An unprecedented number of Jewish organizations have come together for this celebration,” says David Borowich, founder and honorary chairman of Dor Chadash, which is hosting the concert.

“The show will be quite an undertaking,” says producer Michael Dorf of Downtown Arts Development. “Attendees will be participating in a historical moment.”

All net proceeds of the event will benefit three leading Israeli organizations helping children in need—Ahava orphanage in the North, Gvanim in Sderot, and Beit Issie Shapiro in the center of Israel. Information on general and VIP tickets along with associated receptions and parties is available at www.60at60.org

To celebrate Israel@60, we’re taking the party to the big leagues. The New York Mets are hosting a special evening at Shea Stadium on 29 May that will feature Israeli entertainment, dancing, and other surprises as well as, of course, baseball.

For more information and a ticket order form, click here.