Mark Twain (or whomever really deserves credit) was pretty much on the money when he quipped: “When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it’s always twenty years behind the times.”
But there’s always an exception to the rule.
Today it would be a cool day to be in Cincinnati because the Jewish community there is right on time – and offering up an interesting multi-cultural take on celebrating Israel’s 60th birthday.
Here’s the full press release:
Cincinnati Hosts Ground Breaking Events Marketing Israel’s 60th Year of Independence
April 20, 2008 (Cincinnati, OH) – On May 8, while Jewish communities around the world will be celebrating Israel’s 60th birthday, Cincinnati’s celebration will stand alone. The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati will bring Israel’s most in-demand performance group to Fountain Square to headline an unprecedented, free, city-wide multi-cultural extravaganza: “Celebrate As One.”
The festival, inspired by Israel’s 60th, is a celebration of the ethnic and cultural diversity in Cincinnati. The festival’s headline performance group: The Idan Raichel Project is a stunning, versatile Israeli performing collective comprised of musicians of Ethiopian, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern origins. Their message is one of love, hope and tolerance, a message that will be echoed by the the eclectic line up of local performers including: Baoku and the Image, Chinese Lion Dancers, Eclipse, Elderwood Quintent (Jazz & Latin mix), Gaiananda Music and Dance Ensemble (Middle Eastern), Kai Kweol & Drum Jam Parade, Mohenjo Daro, Poco Loco with dance lessons by Kama Salsa, Sogbety Diomande’s West African Drum & Dance Company, the Southern Baptist Gospel Choir, and WULF (Folk/Acoustic/Gothic).
Celebrate As One is supported by very generous funding from some of Cincinnati’s most prominent corporations– Macy’s Inc., Great American Insurance Group, and Fifth Third Bank, who are the Israel @ 60 Presenting Sponsors. They were joined by community supporters including The American Israelite. Event sponsors include the Fine Arts Fund, CityBeat, La Jornana Latina, Duke Energy, Fountain Square, and Toyota as the Education sponsor.
Additionally, Hagit Limor, WCPO-TV’s Emmy and national award-winning investigative reporter, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Hagit, whose father is a Holocaust survivor and fought in Israel’s 1948 War of Independence, is an anchor, general assignment reporter, and now heads the award-winning I-Team.
The Festival is part of Cincinnati’s year long Israel @ 60 celebrations. This year, communities around the world are celebrating Israel turning 60or the 60th year of Israel’s statehood. No other city in America can boast such an incredible culturally rich and diverse Israel@60 lineup as Cincinnati will this year.“Cincinnati is nationally recognized for one of the most creative and sophisticated Israel@60 lineups. The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is grateful for the outpouring of support from the community and volunteers who have made this possible” said Shep Englander, Federation CEO.
The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati has taken a leadership role in planning a series of exciting, high-profile events that will take place throughout the year. From special concerts showcasing Israel’s diverse music, to book signings with award-winning and best selling Israeli authors, to cooking classes featuring Israeli cuisine.
For more information about Israel@60 events, including “Celebrate As One,” please … visit www.jewishcincinnati.org.
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