RSVP here if you wish to attend in person
Click here if you wish to attend via Zoom.
AUCKLAND: Israel and Antisemitism — May 18
|
THIS EVENT IS ORGANIZED BY CHRISTIANS FOR ISRAEL, A FELLOW SUPPORTER OF ISRAEL AND JEWS BUT IS INDEPENDENT FROM NZ FRIENDS OF ISRAEL.
|
|
|
|
|
CHRISTCHURCH: Yom HaZikaron Memorial to the Fallen Soldier
IMPORTANT RSVP TO KAYA FREEMAN (KAYASFREEMAN@GMAIL.COM) NO ADMISSION WITHOUT RSVP FOR SECURITY REASONS. NZFOI PAID-UP MEMBERS ONLY ADMITTED.
Yom Hazikaron: Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers & Victims of Terrorism
Yom HaZikaron commemorates those who lost their lives in the struggle that led to the establishment of the State of Israel and all military personnel who were killed while in active duty in Israel’s forces.Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, holds deep significance for Israelis. It is observed on the fourth of Iyar, the day preceding Israel’s Independence Day. This day commemorates those who lost their lives in the struggle that led to the establishment of the State of Israel and all military personnel who were killed while in active duty in Israel’s armed forces.
Unlike the American Memorial Day, Yom Hazikaron has a distinct character and mood. For 24 hours, from sunset to sunset, all places of public entertainment are closed, including theaters, cinemas, nightclubs, and pubs.
The most poignant feature of the day is the sound of a siren heard throughout the country twice: once at 8 p.m. to mark the beginning of Memorial Day, and again at 11 a.m. before the public recitation of prayers in the military cemeteries. During these moments, the entire nation observes a two-minute “standstill” of all traffic and daily activities.
Radio and television stations broadcast programs that honor fallen soldiers, often featuring Israeli songs that convey the somber mood of the day.
Yom Hazikaron serves as a powerful reminder of the price of Israel’s independence and the ongoing challenges it faces. It fosters a sense of unity and collective responsibility as Israelis come together to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in service to their country.
By the time of Yom Hazikaron in 2024, the commemoration honored over 24,000 fallen individuals.
Yom Ha’atzmaut: Israel Independence Day
Yom Ha’atzmaut, also known as Independence Day, is Israel’s national day, commemorating the Israeli Declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948.
On that day, Isaiah’s prophecy, made over 2,500 years ago was fulfilled (Isaiah 66.8).
This momentous occasion marked the establishment of the State of Israel, a remarkable achievement for a people who had endured centuries of exile, persecution, and tragedy.
The declaration was proclaimed by David Ben-Gurion, the future Israeli prime minister, on behalf of the Yishuv (the Jewish community in Palestine).
The mood outside Ben-Gurion’s residence was one of immense joy and inspiration, as the Jewish people returned home as sovereign citizens in their own independent state.
Yom Ha’atzmaut is observed from nightfall until the following evening of the designated day, which corresponds to the 5th of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar.
It is a day of family gatherings, firework displays, and public celebrations, juxtaposed with the solemnity of Yom HaZikaron, dedicated to remembering fallen Israeli soldiers and civilian victims of terrorism
CHRISTCHURCH: Golda the Movie Saturday May 4, 4.45pm
CHRISTCHURCH: We’re organizing a group to go and see Golda Meir at the Wigram Silky Otter Theatre at 5pm on Satuday. See you there! Just turn up and buy your ticket. 5pm is the beginning of the session time, so you might like to turn up a little earlier.
CHRISTCHURCH: Israel Briefing & AGM: May 30.
There has been a lot happening with Israel and Antisemitism since our last meeting. To name a few:
- The ICC prosecutor announces he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders.
- ICJ orders Israel to stop Rafah assault.
- Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognize Palestine as a state.
- A Christchurch teachers decides to go on a hunger strike hoping to pressure NZ’s government to push harder for a ceasefire.
- The US completes its kitset wharf and additional aid flows into Gaza.
- New evidence shows Hamas is diverting the aid so that it can profit by selling it on the black market.
- The Rafah assault continues in earnest. Hamas is starting to show more enthusiasm for a ceasefire.
After the briefing and Q&A we will be holding our Annual General Meeting (AGM), a pivotal event in our calendar. Here’s why you should attend:
- Transparency and Accountability: The AGM provides a transparent platform where we share our achievements, challenges, and financial performance. Your participation ensures accountability.
- Shape Our Future: Your voice matters! At the AGM, you can contribute ideas, vote on key decisions, and help shape our strategic direction for the coming year.
- Community Bonding: Connect with fellow members, volunteers, and our passionate team. Forge new relationships and celebrate our collective impact.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 7.30pm, Thursday, MAY 30. Hao Room, Halswell Centre, 341 Halswell Rd, Christchurch.
Together, let’s continue our mission of fighting racism and intolerance through raising awareness of Jewish history and culture. We look forward to seeing you!
DOWNLOADS
PALMERSTON NORTH: March and Vigil for Israel and the Hostages
We are gathering at 11.30am behind the Verdict Cafe for prayer, briefing and singing.
Our theme song is
OH DAUGHTERS OF ZION
We will have song sheets available.
At 12 noon we will raise the flags and walk to opposite the Plaza, where we will sing, pray, and declare we are with the Nation of ISRAEL.
Come and stand with us.
CHRISTCHURCH: Open Meeting Panel Discussion on the Christian attitude toward Israel and Gaza
Hi Folks
Are you shocked by the killing of innocent civilians? Are you feeling conflicted as to who is “in the right” in the Israeli-Gaza conflict? Why as a Christian should you care about a dispute on the other side of the world? Are you puzzling over what a Christian response should be? If any of these questions resonate with you, then this event is for you.
Hope Presbyterian in Amyes Rd Hornby, has invited us to join a discussion panel at their evening service, this Sunday at 7pm.
The topic is: What should be the Christian attitude toward Israel and Gaza?
They have already had two sermons over the last two weeks on the history of Israel for background, and the sermons can be found here (click the image):
You’re invited to take part in this fascinating discussion. The Q&A session is going to be informative and rewarding. Even more so, if you have thought about it already so bring some questions with you.
See you there!
