Yom Ha’atzmaut to become ‘Home Atzmaut’ amid virus restrictions
Zionist Federation will send party packs to people celebrating Israel's birthday, as the community urged to hold barbecues in the comfort of their own houses
Jack Mendel is the former Online Editor at the Jewish News.
Yom Ha’atzmaut will be ‘Home Atzmaut’ this year, as organisers seek ensure the celebrations for Israel’s birthday continue in spite of coronavirus.
The Zionist Federation will rebrand 29 April’s celebration as ‘Home Atzmaut’, in a bid to ensure the community can mark the occasion safely – amid restrictions on social gatherings.
Israel’s birthday usually involves barbecues and public celebrations with singing, dancing, flag-waving and ample amounts of pita, humous and falafel.
But with Boris Johnson telling millions to avoid social interaction for the foreseeable future, the #HomeAtzmaut initiative urges the community to hold barbecues in their houses.
The ZF, which hosts the main annual Yom Haatzmaut event in the capital each year, will send out party packs with flags, bunting, recipes, a Spotify playlist, vouchers, and a livestream for a top Israeli performer.
Depending on the extent of restrictions by 28-29 April, packs may either be posted, or sent digitally, and are likely to cost around £18.
The ZF’s Executive Driector Joshua Forman, who has been working with the World Zionist Organisation on the scheme, said: “We are really excited to have found a way to bring both a bit of cheer and Israel into everyone’s home for this Yom Haatzmaut.
We’ve been distraught at the idea that we can’t hold our normal party, so we really hope that everyone can join in together, as an entire community to share a bit of the community spirit this Yom haaztmaut! “
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