Now that the Israel at 60 celebrations are over and all the party paraphernalia has put away for another year, it’s the picnic spirit that lingers on. At least, that’s what we hope.
You see, on Independence Day, Yom Ha’atzmaut, millions of Israelis pack their portable barbecues and head for the nearest park picnic. It’s a national tradition, like madly honking your car horn or providing visitors with directions even if they’re not accurate.
Even over 1,000 Canadians visiting Israel on various missions got into the BBQ culture by attending a supreme picnic generously sponsored by UIA Federations Canada in Israel.
The point is that on this one day, the majority of Israelis, together with many members of Diaspora communities, were not only united in celebration, but also physically together. That’s something neither politics nor even religion can achieve in Israel. But the very existence of Israel and its 60 years of survival unite Jews everywhere.
It’s the spirit of the picnic-the pleasant taste that remains after the celebrations end.
Howard Eglish, UJA Federation’s VP Corporate Communications, is spending Yom Ha’atzmaut week in Israel.
