JN STAFF
A

t Hillel Day School
of Metropolitan
Detroit, Yom
HaAtzmaut, Israel’s
Independence Day, was an
opportunity to celebrate
Israel’s people, land and
history in many meaningful
ways.
While the holiday is
always an embodiment of
the school’s commitment to
their core Jewish values of
K’lal Yisrael (Unity of the
Jewish People) and Tzionut
(Zionism), this year’s
festivities took on greater
relevance as celebrating
Israel felt more essential
since the events and
aftermath of Oct. 7.
Young learners in the
Early Childhood Center
rotated through stations
including face painting, an
archaeological dig, field
games and singing. Activities
for students in kindergarten
and up included hummus
making, Israel art squares,
field games with Tamarack
Camps, an interactive Israel
map activity with Hillel’s
Shinshinim and an IDF

activity station for middle
school students.

The entire school came
together for a zimriyah
(sing-along) with each
grade singing a different
Hebrew song. In a moving
moment, the Hebrew and
Judaic Studies teachers sang
Lu Yehi, a song written for
the Yom Kippur War, before
everyone sang Hatikvah.
Each class decorated
a banner they proudly
displayed in an all-school
parade on the field. The
day concluded with an
after-school carnival with
food, games, music, bounce
houses, face painting and
much more thanks to
generous sponsors Wallside
Windows, Star Trax Events,
and Sandy and Jim Danto.
Head of School Dr. Darin
S. Katz said, “During these
difficult times, our Yom
HaAtzmaut celebration
was a beautiful reminder
that we are raising the next
generation of Jewish leaders
who will continue to stand
in support of Israel and the
Jewish people.”

MAY 30 • 2024 | 15

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:
Students march in a parade.
Young students get ready to
march with their Israeli flags.
These students enjoyed the
many activity stations. These
children display the banner
they made.