April 27, 2004
Canadian Zionist Federation, Eastern Region celebrated Israel’s 56th Anniversary with a gala Yom Ha’atzmaut concert which was held at Place des Arts.

This year’s celebration was an overwhelming and unqualified success!  Every seat in the hall was filled as an audience of 1,400 came together to stand in solidarity and show their support with their brethren in Israel.

Arlazar Eliashiv, President of the region opened the program with a moment of silence in memory of those who gave their lives for Israel.

Masters of Ceremonies for the event were Kevin and Trudie, a well-known couple who host a popular day-time radio show.  They introduced Cantor Lipa Glantz who sang a prayer.  Lipa is presently Cantor at the Beth Zion Synagogue in Montreal.  He is a graduate of the Tel-Aviv Cantorial Institute and has performed throughout Israel, Europe and the United States. The Solomon Schechter Academy Folk dancing Group followed.  They performed three wonderful Israeli dances, the last featuring all 60 children dressed in wonderful colourful costumes marching with Israeli flags off stage past the audience. Lipa Glantz then sang four more songs including a couple by Naomi Shemer to which the audience clapped and sang along.  Lipa has a most magnificent voice and everyone was truly in awe of its power and range. Taryn Blumer, a young 16-year-old student of Bialik High School, who has also sung at the Olympic Stadium and on three professional CD's then sang two songs. Taryn has a wonderful voice and the audience greatly appreciated having the younger generation represented. She sang O Canada and Hatikvah as well. Arlazar Eliashiv then acknowledged the many volunteers and generous Patrons and advertisers.  He also presented beautiful flower bouquets to Rosa Finestone, the Sponsor and Patron Chair for the event; Sheila Busgang, Chair of the Program Book, and to Gail Herscovitch, the Executive Director of Eastern Region. After intermission, Consul General Marc Attali brought greetings on behalf of the State of Israel.  Lawrence Bergman, Minister of Revenue, representing the Government of Quebec, and Madame Raymonde Folco, MP for Laval West who represented the Government of Canada were also on hand to bring their respective greetings. A beautiful 56 page Program Book was produced in conjunction with the event and was distributed to the capacity audience.
 

Rami Kleinstein, the main entertainer, followed.  Rami, one of Israel’s most renowned superstars wowed the audience and had them literally dancing in the isles and singing along to his many now famous songs.  The people, both young and old, were thoroughly entertained.  Rami’s remarkable piano playing and his large repertoire songs added to an already wonderful evening to make it a truly memorable Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration that the Montreal Jewish Community will always remember as definitely a highlight!