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.