Celebrating Israel's 62nd Anniversary

Bedford Middle School was transformed Sunday into a lively Israel festival with music, games and a vibrant marketplace of unique Israeli wares from handcrafted jewelry to original fine art, all in celebration of Israel's 62nd Independence Day.

This year, the Israel Fair featured Aviram Fine Art, an exclusive line of lithographs, serigraphs, originals, and reproductions by some of Israel's most renowned artists. UJA/Federation's Israeli Young Emissaries, teens who live in the community on a one-year exchange program, hosted an authentic "sula" or lounge just for teens, featuring contemporary Israeli rock music and games, and an opportunity to help Israeli arts organizations that serve teens. Younger children also enjoyed arts and crafts and games, and built a large-scale Lego model of the Old City of Jerusalem.

The day was filled with music. In addition to roving klezmer musicians Sruli and Lisa, and the Temple Shalom (Norwalk) children's chorus, the fair featured Magevet, the premier Jewish, Hebrew, and Israeli a cappella group of Yale University.

Steve Friedlander, executive director of UJA/Federation Westport Weston Wilton Norwalk, said the organization was delighted to host the event.

"This is a fun and meaningful way for families to come together and enjoy a taste of Israel for a day," he said.

UJA/Federation WWWN is the central planning and fundraising organization for the local Jewish community. Its mission is to help improve the lives of our extended family at home, in Israel, and around the world.