The community is invited to participate in two programs of solidarity with the state of Israel. Both events are free.

Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day

On Monday, April 23 from 5:30-6:30 p.m., the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton and the DJCC will sponsor a Yom Hazikaron Memorial Ceremony at the Neon Theatre in downtown Dayton. This will be followed at 7:30 p.m. by a screening of Sophie Scholl – The Final Days as part of the Dayton Jewish International Film Festival.

Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day

On Tuesday evening, April 24, the band HaOhr — whose three members are graduates of the Ort Roz High School in Akko, Israel — will perform as part of this year’s community Yom Ha’atzmaut program, celebrating the 59th anniversary of Israel’s independence.

The Jewish Community Relations Council and Dayton Synagogue Forum will sponsor the event, which will be held at Beth Abraham Synagogue.

Israeli foods prepared by Steve Bernstein will be available for purchase from 6-7:15 p.m. Participants will also enjoy an Israeli folkdancing demonstration and crafts for children.

The concert begins at 7:15 p.m. The members of HaOhr have served in the Israeli Defense Forces and live in the Western Galillee, the area linked to Dayton through the Partnership With Israel Program.

“Every one of us is coming with a different background and brings a special color to the ensemble,” said band member Atar Pessah.

For more information about both programs, e-mail Information@jfgd.net.