York JCC York Jewish
Community Center
SUNDAY, APRIL 23 • 10 AM – 12 PM
Israel’s Independence Day, or Yom Ha’atzmaut is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Iyar, which is the Hebrew date of the formal establishment of the State of Israel, when members of the “provisional government” read and signed a Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv. The original date corresponded to May 14, 1948.
Most of the Jewish communities in the Western world have incorporated this modern holiday into their calendars, but some North American Jewish communities hold the public celebrations on a following Sunday in order to attract more participation. In the State of Israel it is a formal holiday, so almost everyone has the day off.
Join us as we celebrate! Complimentary brunch will be provided by Israeli chef Noam Katan. Keynote speaker Ziv Laskin, Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Community Shaliach, a resource for Israel education and advocacy will give a presentation about providing a living bridge to Israel by promoting Israeli experiences, facilitating social activism, and speaking authentically about faith and culture.
All non-members must present photo ID Please RSVP by April 10.
About Ziv Laskin
Ziv Yaakov Laskin, named after his grandfather from Iraq, was born in Israel and came to Reading, PA to work for the Jewish federation, and to share his expereince with others. His hometown, Rishon Le Zion, is a dig town next to Tel Aviv, where Ziv lived with his family; two siblings and his parents. His father is a carpenter who formerly worked a military job, and his mother is a construction engineer. Ziv’s grandparents came to Israel from Iran , Lithuania, and Iraq; a mix of nationalities that has given him life experience with many Jewish cultures.
Ziv enlisted in the IDF (Israel Defense Force) and began his service in the navy commando unit and finished his service in the tank force. After his service, he lived in Kibbutz (a type of cooperative settlment) next to Gaza where he worked on the farm and helped the family with their special needs children. Ziv continued on to hold several jobs in primary schools, boarding schools, and non-formal education.
After saving up to travel the world, Ziv went to Europe where he met his girlfriend, a woman from Germany, and together they love to explore cultures and new places.