Israeli Young Emissaries celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut with members of The Kesher Project.

At a recent meeting of the Kesher Proejct, several Israeli Young Emissaries gave members a feel for what it’s like to commemorate Yom Hazikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) in the Jewish state. The Emissaries – Afik Harel, Lital Rasovsky and Omer Mashiach – described the siren that is heard throughout Israel on Yom Hazikaron to pay tribute to Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, bringing the entire country to a stop for a minute of silence and reflection. They then described how sadness turns to joy at the end of the day, when the entire country joins in the celebration of the day in 1948 when Israel was declared a state. The Emissaries sang beautiful songs accompanied by Afik on guitar, taught group members a rhythmic Israeli circle dance, and presented videos of their lives in Israel. 

The Kesher Project is a program for Jewish adults with special needs living in the greater Bridgeport area that meets at Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport. For information contact Rhea at rheasmusic@aol.com.