Yoni Geffen, the Israeli curator of the art and jewelry show that ran at the JCC of Middlesex County in Edison April 5-13, shows Nancy Kaswin of Edison an Israeli sculpture during opening festivities.
April 22, 2008
With a blue-and-white Israel balloon flag overhead and a blue-and-white cake with 18 candles being lit below, the Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County kicked off its celebration of Israel’s 60th anniversary.
Members and dignitaries gathered on April 5 for speeches, Israeli food, music, and the beginning of a week-long Israeli “shuk” featuring artwork, jewelry, and other items from the Jewish state.
“It is really important for us to come together for Israel’s 60th anniversary,” said Karen Zuckerman, who cochaired the event with Priscilla Glinn.
Adam Glinn, the JCC’s executive vice president of fund-raising, led the ceremonies. He took note of the diverse group of community leaders, from mayors to state representatives, who had come to share in the festivities.
He also pointed out the significance of the ceremony being held a day after the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Assemblyman Peter Barnes III lights one of 18 candles on a cake during a celebration at the Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County in Edison April 5 for Israel’s 60th birthday. Photos by Debra Rubin
“He recognized that Israel as a society has the same values for which he fought for in this country,” said Glinn. “I think it’s very appropriate that we celebrate the State of Israel as we commemorate the death of Dr. King.”
Democratic Assemblymen Peter Barnes III and Patrick Diegnan (both of Dist. 18) served as honorary cochairs of the event along with state Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Dist. 18) and U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ).
Diegnan said there were good reasons why the United States has allied itself with Israel since its 1948 founding.
“America has forever stood by the side of the State of Israel,” he said. “It has always done so and will always do so.”
Barnes said it was with “joy and happiness” that he joined in celebrating Israel.
“When I think of Israel’s 60th birthday the word that come to mind is strength — moral strength, physical strength, and endurance,” he said. “It is a country that has endured several wars… As a result it has built strength of character.”
Edison Mayor Jun Choi said he had many Jewish friends while growing up in Edison, and that Israel’s diversity reminded him of his township. The struggles of Israel’s immigrants and residents resonated for him with the story of his own parents, who left behind a sometimes troubled life in South Korea to seek a better life in the U.S.
Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan spoke of Israel’s proud achievements during the celebration. Looking on are, from left, Adam Glinn, the JCC’s executive vice president of fund-raising; Karen Zuckerman, an event cochair; and Assemblyman Peter Barnes III.
“Israel is really a beacon of democracy in the Middle East,” said Choi, who ended his speech with a Hebrew expression of congratulations that he said he learned earlier that evening from Rabbi Gerald Zelizer of Congregation Neve Shalom in Metuchen.
“Yasher koah, Israel,” said Choi, stumbling over the second word, which an amused audience finished for him.
Metuchen Mayor Thomas Vahalla, who said he grew up “a poor Polish-Catholic kid from Bloomfield,” said support of Israel is a natural outgrowth of understanding the culture of others and of Israel’s value to the U.S. as a model of strength and democracy.
Guests and JCC leaders and supporters were called up to light candles before filing into the “shuk,” which was in place until April 13.
Yoni Geffen, the Israeli curator of the art show, said, “We want people to come and see the variety of art and the quality of work from Israel.”
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