Sunday, May 5, 2024
Great Lawn Park
9am – 1pm
Why is Celebrate Israel called Am Yisrael Chai this year?
Historically, Celebrate Israel has been Colorado’s largest festival dedicated to the people, culture, and state of Israel. As we confront these unprecedented times, Am Israel Chai emphasizes the strong need to convene Jewish people and allies from across Colorado for inspiration and connection. “This year, coming together will be more meaningful than ever,” said JEWISHcolorado President & CEO Renée Rockford. “The new name Am Yisrael Chai conveys our wish to stand with each other in strength and unity, as we support our friends and family in Israel.”
How will Am Yisrael Chai be different from Celebrate Israel?
This year, we will forgo the neighborhood walk and, instead, feature an expanded program of activities, entertainment, and a special reunion. Many former Israeli emissaries (Shlichim) who have formed strong bonds between Israel and Colorado for the past decades will return to Colorado for Am Yisrael Chai. Join us to greet these former and current JEWISHcolorado Israeli emissaries, including Shaul Amir (2002-2007), Raz Arbel (2007-2009), Osnat Fox (2015- 2019), Itai Divinsky (2019-2023), and Nelly Ben Tal (2023-present).
Where will the event take place?
Am Yisrael Chai will take place at Great Lawn Park in Lowry (101 Yosemite Street).
Should I register in advance?
Yes, we strongly recommend that you register online in advance. In addition, you can pick up your wristband and T-shirt before the event at JEWISHcolorado on Thursday, May 2, and Friday, May 3, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
What is the schedule of events?
9:00 a.m. – Registration opens and Community Partner Fair begins
10:00 a.m. – Program begins and food vendors open
10:30 a.m. – Live music and festival activities begin
1:00 p.m. – Event concludes
How do I purchase an event T-shirt?
You can purchase T-shirts online on the Am Yisrael Chai registration form. The T-shirt will include the special name and logo of this year’s event. T-shirts are $12. We strongly recommend ordering T-shirts in advance, as we will have very limited inventory onsite.
What does the program include?
The program will be led by Shlicha Nelly Ben Tal along with our four Shinshinim and will focus on the strong connection between the people of Israel and the Colorado Jewish community. Our former Israeli emissaries, who will travel to Colorado from Israel, will join us to speak at the event. In addition, we will hear from local public officials, and high school and college student leaders. Once the program concludes, we will enjoy live music from several local Colorado musicians for the duration of the festival as a show of support of Colorado’s Jewish community for Israel and its people.
Where should I park?
Self-parking will be available in surrounding lots. A parking map and more detailed information will be provided in an email to be sent the week of the event. Willow Circle, the road inside the Great Lawn Park, will be closed to through traffic and monitored by traffic attendants. This road will only be accessible for vehicles with ADA parking needs, vehicles loading and unloading, and shuttle drop-off.
What type of security will be present?
Security is our top priority for Am Yisrael Chai as it is for every JEWISHcolorado event. We are working with Secure Community Network (SCN) and our law enforcement partners to put every safety and security measure in place. SCN, Denver Police, and other local and federal officers and resources will have a strong presence at the event.
In addition, we will implement these important security measures:
- The event will have fencing on all sides with one registration/point of entry.
- All attendees 18 and older will be required to check-in and present their ID.
- Any attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Backpacks will not be allowed. Bags larger than 12″ x 12″ x 4″ will not be allowed.
- No pets will be allowed in the festival area.
- Attendees of all ages will be required to wear a wristband in the festival area.
Will the Community Partner Fair return this year?
Yes! The Community Partner Fair will be bigger than it has ever been, with more than 30 community partners participating. Many will offer child-friendly activities and experiences in addition to sharing community resources and services. The Community Partner Fair is another visible demonstration of the Colorado community coming together as one to support Israel and the Jewish people.
REGISTER AS A COMMUNITY PARTNER
What activities will be available for kids and teens?
Many of the event favorites will return this year, all with a focus on the state of Israel and the Jewish people. We will offer face painting, T-shirt decorating, an interactive summer camp experience along with art and STEM activities. In addition, we will have a special space for our teens including lawn games and a Jewish Student Connection end-of-year celebration surprise.
What type of food will be available?
Vegetarian/dairy food will be available for purchase including several local kosher food vendor options. Food vendors will be open from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. A full list of vendors will be provided in an email sent out the week of the event.