The Jewish Community Center’s Helene Mirowitz Family Center has planned events to celebrate Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day): 

• Yom Hazikaron — At 7 p.m Tuesday, April  21, the St. Louis Jewish community will gather at the JCC Staenberg Family Complex – Arts & Education Building, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur, to honor and remember those that have fallen in defense of the State of Israel or from acts of terror.  This ceremony, marking Israel’s official Memorial Day, is free and open to the public. Readings, poems and songs will be in English and Hebrew. For more information contact Rabbi Brad Horwitz, JCC Director of Jewish Engagement and Adult Programs: 314-442-3271 [email protected].

• Yom Ha’atzmaut for families with young children — For families with children ages 6 and younger (siblings welcome), the JCC will hold a birthday party for Israel in the gymnasium of the Staenberg Family Complex from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22. The first 75 children will receive a goody bag filled with games, treats, a book from PJ Library and more. The program will include magnet making from the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, face painting, a photo booth, craft projects, birthday cake and a video about Israel from Shalom Sesame.  This event is chaired by Michelle Iken and generously supported by the Lubin-Green Foundation. At 5:30, families are welcome to stay for the larger community Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration (see below). For more information or to RSVP, contact Marianne Chervitz at [email protected] or 314-442-3454. 

• Yom Ha’atzmaut community-wide celebration — In celebration of Israel’s 67th anniversary, the community is invited to attend an evening of entertainment and fun at the JCC Staenberg Family Complex on Wednesday, April 22. This year will feature entertainment by three Israeli Defense Forces singers on tour. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with children’s activities (including roving magicians, face painting, balloon animals, photo booth, and arts and crafts). A falafel dinner will be available for purchase. The local Israeli Scouts group will give a special flag performance, followed by the main entertainment at 6:45 p.m. This event is free and is funded by the Jewish Federation. For more information contact Ela Bokobza: [email protected] or 314-442-3137.