HAFTR Celebrates Israel's 65th Birthday

The following was written and submitted to Patch by HAFTR.

HAFTR celebrated Israel at 65 on Monday in a spectacular and festive way.

"If you were not in Israel on this day, you should have been at HAFTR," were the sentiments of fifth grade students Ashley Kanarek, Ariel Alboher and Nechama Hillel when speaking about Yom HaAtzmaut.

It began in the evening with the HAFTR family coming together "under the stars," surrounded by lights and embraced by the spirit of Israel. Ms. Joy Hammer, principal of the lower school, welcomed everyone warmly. Two flags from Gush Katif were presented by fifth grade student Dani Satran. The flag came from our very own Bnot Sherut who lived in Gush Katif.

The flag was hoisted onto our flagpole as we all sang the Hatikva. The gorgeous opening ceremony depicted our theme of Shalom, "Rak B'Yachad." The audience was inspired by the costumes, music and artwork.

Once again, everyone cheered as students in Daglanut created synchronized formations. Our dancers demonstrated tremendous grace. The fourth grade students sang beautifully. Fifth grade student Ilana Socolick mesmerized the audience as she played Eretz Eretz on the violin while her father, Dr. Daniel, accompanied her on keyboard.

The artist M.I. Time displayed their impressive mix media collages, "Israel at 65," inspired by artists Jasper John and Peter Max. Everyone joined in singing and dancing to the song, Oleh Oleh.

The next day, the Lower School joined with the early childhood school and middle school for a joint assembly. Over 800 students and staff members sang the Hatikvah, said tehillim and sang Yom Huledet Sameach to Israel.

Faculty members who served in the IDF and our Bnot Sherut were acknowledged for their service. They were called to the podium, given a flower and escorted our flags to the flagpole. Then, students of the lower school and guests enjoyed the fifth grade performances.

With passports in hand, students had an opportunity to take a tour of our own mini-Israel. Visitors gave tzeddakah in Meron, went skiing in the Chermon and went fishing in Eilat. Kindergarten students visited their own mini-Israel. They shopped at the shuk, smeared mud from Yom Hamelech on their hands, welcomed the Shabbat in Tzfat, participated in an excavation dig and prepared food on a kibbutz, which they ate at their culminating Tekes.

The entire lower school assembled for a fifth grade play, a take off on the popular movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The play, performed in Hebrew, captivated the entire school. The audience was engaged throughout the performance, and impressed by the actors, scenery, props, dancing and especially the Israeli Oompa Loompas. Everyone had a great time joining in the grand finale, Oleh Oleh.