Activity Guide Bible Education Holidays Israel Recipes Rhymes Sammy Spider Songs Yom Ha'Atzmaut

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebrations and Two Video book readings for Children, Early Childhood Students, Teachers and Parents

1 April 2018
Sylvia Rouss

Yom Ha’Atzmaut – Background 

Biblical Israel dates back 3000 years. After the destruction of the Second Temple 2000 years ago, the Jewish people were dispersed to other countries all over the world. It wasn’t until 1948 that the modern country of Israel was created.
In 70 C.E., the Jewish people were expelled from their land by the Romans. Forced to live in foreign lands for 2000 years, the Jewish people retained their Jewish identity. Many adopted the language and customs of their host country but, at the same time, they continued to study Torah and observe Jewish traditions. Throughout this 2000 year period of exile, the Jewish people were often persecuted.
About 100 years ago Jewish pioneers from Europe and Russia returned to their ancient homeland, which was now called Palestine, a part of the Turkish Empire. The land that had once been so fertile had been neglected. It was mostly desert and swampland. Through much hard work, these early pioneers reclaimed the land and made it fertile once more. After World War I, the Turks were defeated and Palestine became a British Protectorate.
During World War II, European Jews suffered at the hands of the Nazis. 6,000,000 Jews were killed in the Holocaust. After the war, the Jewish survivors no longer had homes to return to. On May 14, 1948, the United Nations voted to establish two countries in Palestine, one Arab and one Jewish. The Jews agreed to the resolution which gave them less than half of Palestine. The Arabs, however, were opposed to the resolution. Immediately Five Arab countries went to war against Israel hoping to drive all the Jews out. With their greater numbers and help from the British, the Arabs were certain they would be victorious. The Jews were fighting for their very survival and ultimately overcame great odds to defeat the Arab countries.
Yom Ha’Atzmaut is Israel’s independence day. It is a holiday celebrated with parades, picnics, campfires, dancing and noisy fun.
 

 

 

To Help Children Experience Israel 

1. Tell stories about ancient Israel by revisiting some of the holidays (Hanukkah, Passover).
2. Have a picture book of modern Israel or photographs for children to explore.
3. Allow children to taste foods from Israel.
4. Play Israeli music.
5.  Ask children if they know what language is spoken in Israel?
Ask if they know any Hebrew words? Help them recognize that, Shalom, Shabbat, challah, the blessings, and the names of many of the holidays are part of the Hebrew language.
6. Ask children if they have a Hebrew name?
 

Songs about Israel by Sylvia Rouss

The Flag of Israel (sing to tune of Frere Jacque)

The flag of Israel, the flag of Israel,
Has a star, has a star.
It is blue and white.
Such a lovely sight,
The flag of Israel, the flag of Israel.

I’ll Go to the Shuk (sing to tune of On Top of Old Smokey)

I’ll go to the shuk,
And shop for Shabbat,
I’ll buy a nice chicken,
To roast in a pot.

I’ll buy some potatoes,
And green vegetables too.
I’ll buy a fresh challah,
For me and for you.

If You Want to Say Hello, Say Shalom (sing to tune of If Your Happy and You Know It)

If you want to say, “Hello,” say, “Shalom.”
If you want to say, “Hello,” say, “Shalom.”
If you want to say “Hello,”
All you really have to know,
If you want to say “Hello,” say, “Shalom.”

If you want to say, “Good-bye,” say, “Shalom.”
If you want to say, “Good-bye,” say, “Shalom.”
If you want to say, “Good-bye,”
It’s easy if you try,
If you want to say “Good-bye,” say, “Shalom.”

If you want to say, “Peace,” say, “Shalom.”
If you want to say, “Peace,” say, “Shalom.”
If you want to say, “Peace,”
You can do it with ease,
If you want to say, “Peace,” say, “Shalom.”

Rhymes about Israel by Sylvia Rouss

Let’s Visit Israel

Let’s visit Jerusalem, the city of gold.
You can see the Western Wall which is very old.

At the Dead Sea you won’t need a boat,
The water is so salty it will make you float.

If you climb Masada, it may be higher than you think.
Take some water. You may need a drink.

Tel Aviv has coffee shops on nearly every street.
It isn’t hard to find something good to eat.

Going to Eilat can be a lot of fun.
You can hike or swim or just enjoy the sun.

A Falafel

A falafel is a tasty treat
It is very good to eat

Take a bite if you’re in the mood,
For a pita filled with tasty food.

Five Little Jerusalem Children

Five Little Jerusalem children have lots to do.
This little boy goes to the zoo.
This little girl goes to the shuk.
This little boy goes to the Shrine of the Book.
This little girl goes to the park to play.
This little boy goes to the Wall (Kotel) to pray.

The Western Wall

Five little children go to the Western Wall to pray.
This one finished and backed away.
Four little children go to the Western Wall to pray.
This one finished and backed away.
Three little children go to the Western Wall to pray.
This one finished and backed away.
Two little children go to the Western Wall to pray.
This one finished and backed away.
One little child goes to the Western Wall to pray.
When he finished, he backed away.

   Recipes from Israel

 Festive Fruit Salad

  •  2 oranges
  • 1 apple
  • ½ c. dates, chopped
  • ½ c. raisins
  • ¼ c. almonds, chopped
  • 1 c. fresh orange juice
  • 2 T. lemon juice
  • ¼ c. sugar
  • ¼ c. sweet red wine

Peel and slice the fruits. Combine fruits and nuts. Refrigerate. In another bowl mix the lemon and orange juices, wine and sugar. Refrigerate. When ready to serve pour over fruit.

Falafel

  • 1 c. cooked or canned garbanzo beans, drained
  • ½ t. garlic
  • ½ t. salt
  • 1/8 t. pepper
  • 2/3 c. fine bread crumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 Tbs. oil
  • Oil for frying (fill pot about 3 inches)

Mash the beans in a large bowl. Add the garlic, salt pepper, and bread crumbs. Mix. Add the eggs and oil. Mix. Heat the oil until little bubbles appear. Shape the mixture into 1 inch diameter balls and lower into hot oil with a spoon. Fry a few balls at a time until they are golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Serve inside a pita pocket with chopped lettuce, cucumber, and tehina sauce.

Eggplant Pizzas

  • 1 medium eggplant
  • 6-8 slices American or cheddar cheese
  • ¼ c. sunflower seeds
  • dash garlic salt
  • oil for frying

Cut the eggplant into ¼ inch slices. Heat oil until it sizzles. Turn the heat to medium. Put in the eggplant slices. Fry until one side is soft (about 5 min.) and remove. Place on dish with fried side up. Put a slice of cheese on each slice of eggplant. Cover the cheese with a sprinkle of sunflower seeds and a dash of garlic salt. Use a spatula to put each slice back in the pan, cheese side up. Fry until cheese melts (about 5 min.). Serve hot.