Sunday evening, April 26, was the date of the gala celebration of the anniversary of Israel, held at the Elmont Jewish Center.

The lobby of the ballroom was decorated as an arrival area of Tel Aviv airport, with signs in Hebrew indicating "Passport Control," "Baggage Claim," etc. "El Al" hostesses greeted arriving "passengers" and directed them to tables which were designated not by number, but by the names of cities and towns in Israel. Scenic posters, supplied by the Israeli Consulate, and by El Al Airlines lined the walls of the festively decorated ballroom. Israeli fabrics and clothing were draped around the room as well. Music? Of course. A little Hebrew, a little Yiddish, some old, and some new, music for the heart and "soles" all supplied by Evergreen. A little dancing? Of course, A Horah, a Miserlu, and much, much more. The kids had balloons, for what is an anniversary party without some blue and white balloons? Israeli food, felafel, salads, pita babaganoosh, and more added to the illusion that the group had really made the trip to Israel. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winner of the raffle for the free round trip to Israel, donated by El Al Airlines. A stirring rendition of "La Midbar" (The Desert) by the Pesentis Cantor Paul, Sharon, and Alexis was an appropriate finish to the evening. Our guests reluctantly called it a night, and went home humming, with tired kids in their parents arms.