Via: www.thejewishindependent.com and www.jewocity.com

The biggest and most significant Israeli-American gathering and largest Jewish festival in North America, with over 15,000 participants expected, will take place May 18 in Rancho Park, CA. The “Celebrate Israel Festival” of the Israeli-American Council (IAC) celebrates Israel’s 66th year of independence.

The “Celebrate Israel Festival” is yet another example of the appeal of Israeli culture amongst diverse audiences including the local Israeli-American community, the Jewish community as well as many Christian groups represented by the over 900 churches promoting the festival.

The festival kick-offs at 10:00AM with a Salute to Israel Walk, co-sponsored by StandWithUS. Headlining the event will be the global pop group The Idan Raichel Project, performing on the main stage. The official ceremony will commence at 3:00PM with local and state dignitaries including Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti — the city’s first elected Jewish mayor — and a thrilling air show.

This year’s gathering, themed “Tour of Israel,” will feature a 32-foot tall Western Wall in which visitors can place their notes that will later be delivered to Israel, a Tel Aviv sandy beach, and other replicas of Israeli sites and cultural highlights, including the Dead Sea, the Negev Desert, a Bedouin tent and camel rides. There will also be a Mini Israel, built by local schools and organizations.

Entertainment will be provided for all age groups, including a kids’ stage with amusement rides and arts & crafts, a teen area with a military obstacle course, an artist pavilion, featuring works from Israeli and local artists and a technology area where Israel’s Start Up competition winners will deliver TED Talk type presentations showcasing their latest innovation and ideas. Participants will also be able to view the winners of a global IAC Instagram competition featuring some of Israel’s incredible nature, architecture, people and culture. In addition to the Main Stage, other entertainment offerings include concerts, folk dancing, kite flying, a bar and karaoke, and more. All food served at the event will be Glatt Kosher.

The IAC “Celebrate Israel Festival” is made possible thanks to partnerships with StandWithUs, the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, and Naty and Debbie Saidoff.