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Israel @ 78: Community. Culture. Connection.
April 26, 2026 • 12-3pm
Every Spring, the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC present a Yom Ha’Atzmaut commemoration of Israel’s Independence Day. It is FREE and open to ALL.
Yom Ha'azmaut is an afternoon of fun for all ages, including:
- Authentic Israeli BBQ
- Israel-themed activities
- Shopping the ESEK Shuk
- Synagogue-led Israel experiences
- Community & Connection
- and more!
It's your chance to connect with Israel's culture while being together in community. EVERYONE is invited!
April 26 from 12-3 pm
Due to global events and to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, enhanced security measures will be in place. Advance RSVP is required, and all attendees must present a valid photo ID upon arrival. Please allow extra time for entry and plan to travel light, as bag checks will be conducted. Thank you for helping us ensure a secure and welcoming event.
Preorder ticket bundles & skip the ticket lines! Reserve tickets for Yom Ha'atzmaut food and activity purchases - at a discounted price! It's your fast pass to skip the line and avoid waiting.
Due to global events and in our ongoing commitment to the safety of our community, enhanced security measures will be in place for this year’s observances of Yom Ha'Atzmaut. We appreciate your partnership in helping us create a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all.
Please read carefully and plan ahead.
- RSVP is required for all attendees. Those who have not RSVP'd in advance will be asked to provide information upon arrival and should expect delayed entry.
- A valid photo ID is required for entry. Having your ID ready will help expedite the check-in process.
- Please allow additional time for arrival and entry. This will ensure adequate time for parking, security screening, and check-in.
- Metal detectors will be in use. All attendees will be screened upon entry, and weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited.
- Travel light. We strongly encourage guests not to bring large bags (with the exception of diaper bags). All bags are subject to inspection.
- If demonstrators are present, do not engage. Please proceed directly into the venue.
- Security protocols will be in place throughout the event. These measures are designed to support a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and shared commitment to community well-being. We look forward to celebrating together.
Volunteer Opportunities
Help make this year's Yom Ha'Atzmaut a success by volunteering for setup, event support, and cleanup. We still need help with prep on Monday, April 20, through Friday, April 24, plus event-day roles on Sunday, April 26, including greeters, clickers, giveaway handout, grilling, ESEK Marketplace support, and breakdown/cleanup. Sign up for a shift and be part of creating a meaningful community event. Choose your role today!
2026 CHEFS-IN-RESIDENCE BEN AND ZIKKI SIMAN-TOV
Experience Israel through cuisine!
Wednesday, April 22 at 7 PM • Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus
Connect to Israel through food like never before at the third annual Israeli Chef’s Table Experience with Ben and Zikki Siman-Tov, the creative duo behind @BenGingi, NYC’s beloved BUBA Bureka and the cookbook Eat Small Plates.
For one special night in Tidewater, they will present an exclusive three-course culinary experience inspired by Israeli and Middle Eastern traditions, and share the inspirations behind their dishes, bringing each course to life.
Seats are limited and will sell out quickly, so we encourage you to reserve your place soon!
Happy Hour
Tuesday, April 21 at 6-8PM • Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus
Ring in Israel Independence Day at happy hour with rising culinary stars Ben & Zikki Siman-Tov, the creative voices behind @BenGingi, NYC’s beloved BUBA Bureka and the cookbook Eat Small Plates. Spend time getting to know them, hear what inspired their work, and what they have planned next.
- EVENT SOLD OUT -
Ben & Zikki's Eat Small Plates
The cookbook is a roadmap for others to learn the way the couple cooks: vegetable-forward, shareable dishes, informal but beautifully presented, designed to gather loved ones around a table laden with boldly flavored dishes to taste and share with abandon.
Many of the book’s recipes are influenced by the vibrant flavors of Israeli cuisine — inspiration that Siman-Tov is not shy about. “I always looked at food as something that connects people, a good bridge between different opinions and cultures,”
Israel is home to nearly 700,000 small businesses—the lifeblood of families, neighborhoods, and communities. ESEK shines a spotlight on these artisans, innovators, and entrepreneurs, giving you the chance to support Israeli small business directly.
Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom Hashoah are deeply interconnected days in our Israel's collective memory.
Together, they underscore the significance of remembrance, resilience, and the continual pursuit of strong and flourishing Jewish communities, both in Israel and the Diaspora.
The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater invites you to join us in commemorating these important occasions and to learn more about them. Please visit our Resource Page..
Simon Family Foundation
CONTACT US
For SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, contact Heather Nevins, Development Manager, at HNevins@UJFT.org or (757)452-6925.
For GENERAL INQUIRIES, contact Nofar Trem: NTrem@UJFT.org
Previous Years Celebrations of Yom Ha'atzmaut