Greetings from Honorary Co-Chairs

Dear Chaverim,

For the past three weeks, we have been celebrating Israel: from Burquest to Vancouver, the Valley to White Rock/South Surrey and beyond, through food, dance, literature and music.With more than 30 participating community organizations, sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and with support from the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation, these events showcase all that we love about the country of Israel.. On May 14th, we invite you to join us and Israel’s favourite pop band Teapacks for our culminating celebration of Israel@75, marking the 75th anniversary of State of Israel’s declaration of independence.

Our community has been celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut with a celebratory concert for more than twenty years. It is fitting to recognize the Gaerber Family who inaugurated this event in 1992. Stephen, Morry, Allan, and their father, Ed Gaerber z”l, envisioned a special, inclusive event for our community to come together to express our love for the State of Israel. Stephen has been the driving force behind this, chairing the organizing committee for fourteen years! Indeed, it was our great pleasure to work on Stephen’s committee for every one of those years. Following Stephen was the inimitable Pam Wolfman, who has chaired this signature event ever since with her characteristic grace and flair.

Throughout the past 75 years, our beloved Israel has faced enormous challenges amidst a society of shocking complexity. Our anxieties over the problems there stem from our very great love for the country, its people, and future. Israel@75 is an opportunity to celebrate as a community the State of Israel: its myriad accomplishments, vital culture, and vibrant democracy.

We have a fantastic show planned for you on May 14th, filled with wonderful Israeli dancing, performances by the Jewish day schools and the exceptional music of Kobi Oz and the Teapacks band. We can’t wait to see you there.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to everyone who has helped make this event unique and memorable—and to you, for joining us and bringing this celebration to life. Together, we will show the world our community’s love for Israel. We thank the Jewish Federation staff who provide invaluable professional support for the entire Israel@75 line-up of events across Greater Vancouver. We couldn’t do it without you!

A huge todah rabah to our incredibly generous donors from across the community who have helped make our community’s Israel@75 celebration possible. Without you, we could not have celebrated Israel in every corner of the Lower Mainland nor made this evening accessible to all.

We hope you enjoy tonight’s show! Yom Ha’atzmaut sameach!

Heather & Jonathan Berkowitz
Honorary Co-Chairs