The Jewish Community Board of Akron commemorated Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut with a joint in-person event on May 5 at the Schultz Campus for Jewish Life in Akron.
Featuring an acoustic set by Israeli singer-songwriter Rami Feinstein, programming included a dinner catered by Efrat’s Cafe, a Yom Hazikaron commemoration and several addresses from area rabbis, community leaders and Jewish Akron residents. Feinstein performed in both Hebrew and English, and has been touring for 10 years in the United States. Several weeks ago, Feinstein was featured in Akron at The Summit radio station and visited The Lippman School as part of a larger U.S. tour called “It’s Gotta Mean Something.”
In opening the event, John Keverkamp, vice president of the JCBA and executive director of the Shaw JCC, talked about commemorating those who have fallen in defending Israel and victims of terror, as well as celebrating the birthday of Israel’s independence.
Two Israeli-American Akron residents, Moshe Torum and Meir Ohayon, spoke about their experiences serving in the Israel Defense Forces. Torum spoke mostly about Yom Hazikaron.
“As you know, the process in Israel begins with Yom Hazikaron, which is a day of remembrance,” Torum said. “Obviously, it’s a day of sadness, remembering those that have fallen in the different battles and wars that were involved in the establishment of the state of Israel, as well as allowing it to continue to exist and protect it from a whole variety of enemies.”
Akron community commemorates Yom Hazikaron, Yom Ha'atzmaut
Israeli musician Rami Feinstein holds an acoustic set for the crowd.
Molly Stock and Erin Katz Ford
Children wave their Israeli flags before the program.
John Keverkamp, vice president of the JCBA and executive director of the Shaw JCC, gives opening remarks.
Moshe Torum, an Israeli-American from Akron and former member of the Israel Defense Forces, spoke about the meaning of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Moshe Torum, an Israeli-American from Akron and former member of the Israel Defense Forces, speaks while attendees look on.
Sam Chestnut, head of school at The Lippman School, explains a video of sirens going off in Israel to initiate a standstill in commemoration of Yom Hazikaron.
Attendees observe a moment of silence to observe Yom Hazikaron.
Rabbi Moshe Sasonkin of Chabad of Akron leads the crowd in prayer, while Rabbi Josh Brown of Temple Israel and Rabbi Jeremy Lipton of Beth El Congregation listen.
Rabbi Jeremy Lipton of Beth El Congregation leads the crowd in prayer, while Rabbi Josh Brown of Temple Israel and Rabbi Moshe Sasonkin of Chabad of Akron listen.
Rabbi Josh Brown of Temple Israel leads the crowd in prayer, while Rabbi Jeremy Lipton of Beth El Congregation and Rabbi Moshe Sasonkin of Chabad of Akron listen.
Mier Ohayon speaks of his time in Israel serving in the Israel Defense Forces.
Brian Rolnick-Fox, a member of the JCBA’s board of trustees, speaks to the crowd.
Rachel Osherow sings “Hatikvah.”
Israeli musician Rami Feinstein holds an acoustic set for the crowd.
Israeli musician Rami Feinstein holds an acoustic set for the crowd.
Israeli musician Rami Feinstein holds an acoustic set for the crowd.
Hunter Tobias, 9, grandmother Robyn Tobias, Aviva Tobias, 7, and father Josh Tobias
Ari Belsky, 9, Max Ford, 10, Noah Lemmerman, 10, Jonah Rolnick-Fox, 10, Beth Aronson and Seth Green
Leslie McClure and Ellen Moss
Rachel Peltzman and Rabbi Josh Brown
Connie Bennett, Rani Cargo and Tom Cargo
Lorraine Christian and Linda Carabell
Efrat Ohayon, Rone Ohayon and Meir Ohayon
Moshe Lewis and Moshe Zarouk
A video was shown of a siren sounding across Israel, signaling Yom Hazikaron, in which attendees then participated in a moment of silence.
Ohayon, who served three years in the Israeli navy, spoke about Yom Ha’atzmaut. He said he served as a gunman, and his unit would patrol the shore of Israel to limit any “potential terror threat.”
“This is a very special day for all of us,” he said. “We are fortunate enough to have the name of Israel as the home of the Jewish people.”
Three rabbis – Rabbi Moshe Sasonkin of Chabad of Akron, Rabbi Josh Brown of Temple Israel in Bath Township and Rabbi Jeremy Lipton of Beth El Congregation in Akron – also led attendees in prayer. Brian Rolnick-Fox, a member of the JCBA’s board of trustees, introduced Rachel Osherow, who sang “Hatikvah.”
After the program, Feinstein played his acoustic set for attendees.
