Seven area young people were part of a delegation sent to Pittsburgh to participate in Memorial Day and Independence Day events organized by the Jewish community. The delegation, sent by the Jewish Agency /Partnership 2000 and the Karmiel Community Center were participants in an alternative theater group sponsored by the Ilanot Community Center. The group was accompanied by Marci Lang (Pittsburgh community representative in Israel), and Shalhevet Weinstein, the theater group’s manager and responsible for directing and preparing the young people for the various ceremonies and activities.

These young people all brought a fresh and young Israeli spirit to Pittsburgh’s various schools, synagogues, and community centers, conducting a wide range of activities for children grades 4-12 at the community’s various Jewish schools and synagogues.

The highlight of the visit was the Memorial Day ceremony that included dance, song and various readings. Also participating in the ceremony was Michael Solomonov, the brother of the late David Solomonov. David was born and raised in Pittsburgh, immigrated to Israel with his family and was killed nearly two years ago during an incident with the Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border.

An “Ethnic Carnival” was held the next day, Israel’s Independence Day. The delegation presented a colorful ethnic folklore show, representing five different ethnic groups. Later that day an “Israeli Coffee Shop” was opened for Israelis living in Pittsburgh.

Iyar 5764 - May 2004