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 – Israeli Memorial Day – will be held on Sunday, May 12, at 6 p.m. at The White Theatre at The J. The event is free to the community and will honor Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. This year’s event will also commemorate the events of Oct. 7, 2023, and honor the lives lost and those still held hostage by Hamas.
Community Shalicha Mika Kislanski is introducing a new program to the community 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 each participant to learn the story of and run/walk in memory of an Israeli fallen soldier or victim of a terror attack. This event is open to all, including families.
Additionally, after a successful first year last 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 at 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 over 21 are invited to attend a birthday party for Israel’s 76th at Friction Beer Company (11018 Johnson Dri., 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 Meadowbrook Park (9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, KS 66207). The family celebration of Israeli Independence Day will include games, arts and crafts, dances and more.
Prior to these events, Midwest Center for Holocaust Education will be conducting a Yom HaShoah service at The White Theatre on Sunday, May 5 at 1:30 p.m. The service will commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the anniversary of the dedication of the Memorial to the Six Million.
This year’s partners include AIPAC; Congregation Beth Israel Abraham and Voliner; Congregation Beth Shalom; Congregation Beth Torah; Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy; JCRB|AJC Kansas City; Jewish Community Foundation; Jewish Experiences; Jewish Family Services; Kehilath Israel Synagogue; KU Hillel; Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation; Menorah Heritage Foundation; Midwest Center for Holocaust Education; New Reform Temple; Ohev Sholom and Heritage Fund of Congregation Beth Shalom; Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City; The Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah; and Village Shalom.
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.
