Five years on from the “celebration” of Israel’s 60th birthday in 2008, on June 2 this year there will be a “Closer to Israel” parade down Piccadilly and a rally in Trafalgar Square to “celebrate” Israel’s 65th birthday. The parade begins from about 12 noon and could get to Trafalgar Square about 1pm – maybe a bit later.

JfJfP is organising a silent vigil from 12.30 to 5pm on June 2nd, outside South Africa House (located on the east side of the square). Our vigil has been agreed with the police. We will be holding placards, handing out leaflets and displaying our Another Israel exhibition. The theme will be “What’s to Celebrate?” with answers such as “house demolitions”, “child prisoners”, “illegal settlements”, “theft of water resources”, etc. etc. etc., plus remembrance of the Nakba.

It is intended as a Jewish vigil, but of course everyone is welcome to come and to bring their own placards (no gratuitously offensive ones, please).

You can download the leaflet written for distribution at the vigil here.

Closer to Israel 65 Parade and Celebratory Event

From Closer to Israel.org.uk

The UK Jewish and pro-Israel community will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel with a major outdoor community event, entitled “Closer to Israel”. Closer to Israel will comprise a vibrant street parade on June 2nd in Central London, representing the diversity and spirit that makes our community, followed by the coming together of parade participants, spectators and supporters, for a celebratory finale.

The decision to hold this event was taken by the heads of major communal organisations at a meeting of the Jewish Leadership Council earlier this year. A delivery group chaired by Doug Krikler and comprising representatives of the JLC, UJIA, Board of Deputies, WIZO UK, CST and ZF will be responsible for organising the event.

Closer to Israel will also be the over-arching brand and umbrella for a programme of year-round grass roots activities, led by Board of Deputies Senior Vice-President Laura Marks.

Closer to Israel will be a fantastic opportunity to show the extent to which Israel remains a central part of our collective communal identity. We hope that there will be representation from as many community groups and organisations as possible. There are a variety of ways to get involved and show your support.

Closer To Israel 65

From Closer to Israel website

Closer to Israel is the umbrella for a programme of year-round grass roots activities and The Main Event to bring the British and Jewish communities Closer to Israel.

The community will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel with an exciting outdoor central event, on June 2nd. This will be a vibrant and entertaining street parade in Central London representing the diversity and spirit that makes our community, followed by the coming together of parade participants, spectators and supporters, for a celebratory finale.

Closer to Israel Parade map and viewing points (see below)