Deerfield Residents Join Thousands at Israel Solidarity Day

Deerfield residents joined more than 8,000 people from throughout the Chicago area Sunday on the Ravinia Festival grounds in Highland Park to celebrate Israel Solidarity Day marking Israel’s 65^th anniversary as an independent nation.

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The all day family oriented affair featured children’s activities, music, food and a three-mile Walk With Israel through Highland Park. Israeli Counsel General to the Midwest Roey Gilad explained the special significance of celebrating independence for a country he said was recreated in 1948.

“In 135 we lost our freedom and we did not regain it until 1948,” Gilad said referring to a defeat by the Romans 1,878 years ago and the formation of the modern State of Israel May 14, 1948. “This time we are not going anywhere. Israel is here to stay.”

Participating Deerfield congregations include Moriah Congregation, B'nai Tikvah, BJBE and Ahavat Olam.

Since this is a story best told in pictures of the day, look for your neighbors and feel free to add any photos you have of the event.

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