Atlanta Celebrates Israel’s 75th Anniversary

This year, on Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day), Israel will mark a milestone 75th (Diamond) anniversary of independence. In what promises to be an extraordinary community event, members of the Atlanta Jewish community, representatives from state and local governments, as well as non-profits will mark the occasion at the Atlanta Celebrates Israel @ 75 event on Wednesday, April 26 for an evening of solidarity, recognition, and celebration.

According to Israel Consul General to the Southeast Anat Sultan-Dadon, the Atlanta Celebrates Israel 75 program is not only a community celebration of the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence, but also of 75 years of U.S.-Israel relations.

“The United States was the first country to recognize Israel’s independence on May 14, 1948,” Sultan-Dadon told the AJT. “From that moment, Israel and the United States have enjoyed uniquely close and extensive relations. These strong ties are reflected also in the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta’s relations with Israel as well.”

According to event co-chair Delilah Cohen, the Atlanta Celebrates Israel @ 75 event will take place at one of Atlanta’s most iconic spaces. Attendees will receive location details once registered for the event, and can expect a festive evening of inspirational speakers, Israeli music and entertainment and delicious Kosher cuisine. A long list of VIPs will be attending, she said. CNN producer and speaker Nadia Bilchik will be the event presenter.

For her part, Cohen, who holds American and Israeli citizenship and describes herself as an advocate for Israel, said she sees this celebration as an important way for the entire community, not just Jews, to celebrate unity for Israel.

“We need to bring together everybody, including Christians and Muslims, to show the diversity of supporters for Israel. Israel brings so much to the Middle East and to the whole world. This event gives us the opportunity to show unity and shine a light on this state that is celebrating its 75th year of independence,” said Cohen.
Consul General Sultan-Dadon, who will be the event guest speaker, said, “We are also proudly honoring a diverse group of local leaders from different fields who each in their own way have contributed to the close relations with Israel, with the Light For Israel Awards.”

The celebration is the culmination of the efforts of more than 90 partner organizations and many sponsors. “I especially want to recognize the Michael Morris Family Foundation and the Marcus Foundation as the major sponsors of the event. The event is an opportunity to celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday with representatives of the wider Atlanta community, reflecting the broad support and friendship for Israel that we enjoy here,” Sultan-Dadon told the AJT.

Tickets for Atlanta Celebrates Israel @ 75 are $75 and on sale until April 20. Advance registration is required. Visit atlantacelebratesisrael75.com to purchase tickets and for more information about the honorees, event partners and sponsors.

Light For Israel Honorees:

Sen. Tonya Anderson, State Senator & co-chair of Georgia-Israel Legislative Caucus
Krystal Bracy, director, Philos Black
Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., founding dean, Martin L. King Jr. International Chapel and professor of religion at Morehouse College
Dr. Robbie Friedmann, founding director Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University
Darius Jones, founder and president, National Black Empowerment Council
Michael Morris, owner and publisher, Atlanta Jewish Times
Doug Ross, vice chair, Birthright Israel Foundation
Samantha Strelzer, student and young professional leader
Helen Zalik, founder and president, Zalik Foundation