Festival Will Celebrate Israeli Independence
It’s an intriguing mix of attractions that includes a swimsuit fashion show, falafel, carnival rides and a retrospective of the 1948 war of independence, all on the same field Sunday at the Hansen Dam sports center.
The sixth annual Israeli Festival, organized by the Council of Israeli Organizations and the Israeli consulate in Los Angeles, is scheduled to coincide with the 48th anniversary of the nation’s independence, said festival director Yoram Gutman.
“We have an extremely large population of Israelis in Los Angeles,” Gutman said. “About six years ago we decided, let’s have a real good celebration in honor of Israeli independence.”
Last year, about 5,000 people showed up for the festival, and this year Gutman expects between 7,000 and 8,000.
The program will include singers and other entertainers, Israeli food, a fashion show with Israeli designers and an official ceremony at 2 p.m., Gutman said. He added that Mayor Richard Riordan is expected “to bring greetings from the city” and that security officers and police will be on hand.
The festival also includes an exhibit highlighting pieces of Israel’s history and special raffle prizes and trip giveaways. A telecommunications company will offer free telephone calls to Israel, Gutman added.
The festival will be from noon to 5 p.m. at the Hansen Dam sports center, 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace.
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