Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J, is partnering with local community organizations to commemorate Yom HaZikaron and celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut again this year.
New events have been added to this year’s calendar in addition to the traditional community events.
Information surrounding all upcoming events and activities for Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut can be found at thejkc.org/holidays.
A ceremony for Yom HaZikaron – Israel’s Memorial Day – will be held on Sunday, May 12, at 6 p.m. at The White Theatre at The J (5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS 66211). The event is free and will honor Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. This year’s event will also commemorate the events of Oct. 7 and honor the lives lost and those still held hostage by Hamas.
Community Shalicha Mika Kislanski is introducing a new program this year as part of the Yom HaZikaron commemorations called Memorun. Set to take place the morning of Yom HaZikaron, Memorun (Ratzim Le’Zichram), will be a 3k walk around the Jewish Community Campus that includes opportunities for participants to learn the story and run/walk in memory of an Israeli fallen soldier or victim of terror. This event is open to all, including families.
Additionally, after a successful first year, Matkom Im Zikaron (Recipes with Memories) will return. Matkon Im Zikaron is a way to honor one of Israel’s fallen soldiers. Boxes containing a memorial candle, the story of a soldier and their favorite recipe will be available for pick up at The J or other designated locations in Kansas City. More information can be found at thejkc.org/holidays.
Two separate events have been announced for this year’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebrations.
On Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m., adults 21 and over are invited to attend a birthday party for Israel’s 76th at Friction Beer Company (11018 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS 66203). The event, created in partnership with Federation’s Young Adults Division and Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee, will include birthday games, party favors, birthday cake and a special L’Chaim.
On Sunday, May 19, the entire community is invited to celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut from 2 to 4 p.m. at The J (5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS 66211). This family celebration will include games, arts and crafts, dances and more.
Jewish Experiences was awarded a grant funded by JCC Association of North America in partnership with Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs to support these events. The grants, known as Yamim, provide funding to JCCs across North America for the creation of Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut programs for their communities.