Yom HaAtzmaut at the Dell Jewish Community Center. Credit: Jon Kniss

By Alachua Haskins and Michal Ilai

Every year, the period of time affectionately referred to as “The Yoms” gives the Jewish community an opportunity to mourn collective pain, celebrate triumphs, and dream of the future. This year was no different, as Israelis and Americans came together to commemorate Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day), and Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day).

For Yom HaShoah, community organizations and synagogues worked together for a meaningful ceremony that included a lecture by Dr. Victoria Aarons, distinguished professor of literature at Trinity University, and youth poetry submissions on the subject of grief. Shalom Austin was honored to welcome so many second, third, and fourth generation Holocaust survivors as guests and participants in the ceremony, and to memorialize the families of so many descendants in Austin.

For Yom HaZikaron, again this year, community organizations and synagogues worked together to create a meaningful Tekkes (memorial service). Teens from Shevet Keren of the local Israeli Tzofim, led parts of the community-wide gathering. A former Israeli combat soldier, Nikita Tyomkin, shared his personal story remembering his commander who was tragically killed. Israeli performers sang songs written in memory of soldiers who fell in battle. Austin congregational rabbis represented their synagogues and led the community in prayer. Members of the clergy also recited the Kaddish together to conclude the service.

In sharp contrast, the festive spirit of Yom HaAtzmaut was felt by all 1,200 people who attended this year’s celebration. Vendors presented their artistic creations, and a few stations entertained young children. Jewish organizations and synagogues tabled outside in the beautiful Reuben & “Etsy” Kogut Terrace providing an opportunity for the community to learn about their work. Israeli delights such as Shawarma, falafel and baked goods were sold in addition to hot dogs, crepes and other desserts. Moshiko, a local Israeli DJ, welcomed people in the living room with a compilation of popular Israeli hits from the past 50 years. Austin teens from the Tzofim led Israeli dancing in the living room, and invited people to join them.

“As Austin’s Israeli community is growing rapidly, we are seeing a surge in engagement particularly among newcomers looking to participate in Jewish communal life. Important days on the Israeli calendar, such as Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut, provide a perfect opportunity for the larger community to unite,” Shalom Austin Senior Israel Educator Michal Ilai said.

“Especially these days, Jewish people around the world are yearning for moments of celebration. Seeing the incredible energy and the true l’dor v’dor (multigenerational) gathering at Shalom Austin during Yom HaAtzmaut fostered a strong sense of community and made everyone feel included” she added.