Rain did not deter hundreds of community members and students from showing their love for Israel as they marched as part of the "Israel Solidarity Walk" on May 19, 2019. The event opens the Israeli-American Council’s (IAC) annual "Celebrate Israel Festival" held in Rancho Park and is organized annually by StandWithUs. Marching with banners and Israeli and American flags, with motorcycle police protection, the Israel supporters trekked down Pico Avenue to the Simon Wiesenthal Center where they sang and danced and then walked back to mark the beginning of the Festival.
This year, the Israeli Cycling Academy led by Festival chair Naty Saidoff joined the teams from Shalhevet High School, Beth Jacob Synagogue, Hillel, Bnei Akiva and Na'amat USA, among many others. "It was a fitting gathering and an easy 1.6 mile walk for people of all ages who want to express their Zionism," said Roz Rothstein, StandWithUs CEO.
Thousands attended the festival, with hundreds visiting the StandWithUs booth where they spun the wheel for a free gift and learned how the organization combats antisemitism and anti-Israel rhetoric on campuses, high schools, middle schools and communities around the world.
StandWithUs "Israel Matters" panels were also on display.
For more information: https://jewishjournal.com/news/los_angeles/community/298648/israeli-culture-food-and-music-at-celebrate-israel-festival/