The Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado is hosting a Walk for Israels 65th birthday on Sunday, May 19.
The day begins with the Celebrate Family Festival in the morning at the Loup JCC and the short 2.11 mile walk at 2 p.m.
The walk is free to all participants, but registration is required.
El Al, Israels national airline, is donating one plane ticket to Israel to the winner of the walk.
Federations partner region Ramat HaNegev is donating VIP hospitality to the winner.
This walk is a highly visible way to bring our Colorado community together to show support for Israel in uncertain times, said Doug Seserman, president and CEO of Federation.
We are proud to partner with the Loup JCC and their annual Celebrate Family Festival to create an entire day to celebrate Jewish life.
The walk will take participants past several synagogues and Jewish landmarks between the Loup JCC and The Denver Synagogue.
Read related IJN editorial, “Israel Walk Sunday“
Along the route, various local Jewish organizations will highlight the diversity and strength of the local Jewish community.
Participants are encouraged to create their own teams and design special shirts or banners for the walk.
The Walk for Israel will conclude at BMH-BJ with a 65th Birthday Bash for Israel.
There will be camel rides, food, and drinks available for purchase in addition to musical entertainment.
Mayor Shmulik Rifman of Israels Ramat HaNegev region will be joining the Colorado Jewish community for the walk.
We appreciate the Colorado Jewish community and all of their continued support, said Mayor Rifman.
For more than 14 years, we have built an amazing connection between our communities and long-lasting friendships.
I am proud to march with the local community in the streets of Denver.
Federation brings the local Jewish community to Israel and Israel to Colorado.
We connect our local Jewish community to Israel and the global Jewish people, said Seserman.
Through the Jewish Agency for Israel, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and World ORT, we support social challenges that Israelis face and help to build a vibrant Jewish future.
Besides funding our international partners, we support a variety of programs and services in our Israeli partnership regions: Ramat HaNegev and Lod.
It is not without difficulty that Israel continues to grow and build a democratic Jewish state as the homeland for the Jewish people, said Michal Uziyahu, Israel community shlichah.
To defy those seeking to jeopardize Israel and all that it represents, Israelis must continue to live with democratic ideals, identify solutions to real-world problems with innovation and be a light in the region.
On Israels 65th birthday, we come together to show support of Israel and the efforts to build a better future for the country and for Jews around the world.
While many challenges still remain, it is vital to show our support and solidarity with Israel on this momentous birthday. We come together today and always for Israel.
As we celebrate Israels 65th birthday, let us hope and pray for peace for Israel and her neighbors . . . not just to survive, but continue to thrive, said BMH-BJ Rabbi Ben Greenberg.
Join us to walk, sing, eat, celebrate and schmooze in solidarity for Israel.
Honorary co-chairs for the walk are Larry and Susan Siegel.
The walk committee consists of Rachel Allen, Jesse Blum, Elliott Charles, Goldie and Joel Cohen, Rick Kornfeld, Hazel and Herzl Melmed, Cindy and Barry Noam, Simon Schwartz, Debra and Steven Weinstein and Ronit and Jason Williamson.
Information: www.Israel65.INFO.
