Thousands packed the First Station in Yerushalayim Wednesday evening for a special prayer and celebration organized by OU Israel in honor of Yom HaAtzmaut and OU Israel’s 40th anniversary. Most participants were recent immigrants from North America, with many saying it was their first time celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut in Israel.
Prayer was led by performer and prayer leader Rabbi Shlomo Katz, with a crowd of thousands joining in song, dance, and gratitude for the State of Israel.
OU Israel Executive Director Rabbi Avi Berman commented, “It’s so incredible to celebrate this seventy-first Yom HaAtzmaut together with thousands of our Jewish brothers and sisters here in Yerushalayim. New Olim together alongside native Israelis, all gathered to thank Hashem for the miracle that is our incredible State of Israel.”
Other prominent rabbinic leaders present included Nefesh B’Nefesh Founder and Director Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Ohr Torah Stone President and Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Kenneth Brander, former Knesset member Rabbi Dov Lipman, former Rabbinical Council of America President and OU Israel Faculty Member Rabbi Shmuel Goldin, and Jerusalem Council member Arieh King.