By Mardee Gruen
of The Chronicle staff

“This year, more than ever, we need — and Israel deserves — all of us to remember those who have died and those who continue to thrive in the modern state of Israel,” said Marty Katz.

In that spirit, Milwaukee, with Jewish communities all over the world, will observe Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers, and celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, April 16-17. Katz is general chair of the events, with Betsy and Michael Green as honorary chairs.

“Make no mistake,” said Nir Barkin, community shaliach and director of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Israel Resource Center, “it is not a coincidence that Israel holds its saddest day back to back with its most happy day. It is so important that everyone remember those who have made the greatest sacrifice to their country, but we must go on to celebrate the establishment of the State of Israel.”

Moreover, “I think there is even more excitement about the celebration this year because there is a new sense of resolve to support Israel and the Milwaukee Jewish community’s support of Israel,” said Aaron Geist, chair of the Yom HaAtzmaut celebration. “It’s brought people together.

“Also, people want their voices to be heard and that means coming out to the celebration. So I expect a strong attendance. It’s important for local Jewry to show the Milwaukee community at-large how strong our support is for Israel.”

A gala performance by the Israel Defense Forces Musical Ensemble will inaugurate the celebration on Tuesday, April 16, at Congregation Shalom, 7:30 p.m.

This group of active duty Israeli soldiers has been selected from the IDF educational and cultural corps for their passion and musical talent. They perform regularly at army bases throughout Israel and at the front-line, motivating and uplifting the IDF troops.

Patron tickets are $100. General admission is $14; students, $10.

The Yom HaZikaron ceremony will precede the concert at 6:30 p.m. Adina Altshull, chair of the event, said, “Many Israelis pay the price to preserve our homeland with their lives. Their lives need to be remembered, and we in America want to remember their sacrifice for all Jews. The ceremony helps us here in Milwaukee to feel and identify with our brethren in Israel.”

Altshull added that the approximately 45-minute ceremony “is structured exactly the same as ones being held in Israel.”

The theme this year is “In honor of our mothers.” Speaker will be Yael Misheiker, whose son Gilad, 20 and a combat medic, died in 1997 in a helicopter accident with 73 other soldiers on their way to Lebanon. The ceremony will conclude with Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra executive director Steven Ovitsky sounding the shofar and the lighting of 12 torches symbolizing the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

The traditional Independence Day celebration will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 4-8 p.m. at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center.

Events kick off with the annual Solidarity Walk for Israel at 4 p.m., which will be led by the IDF Musical Ensemble. Jeff Schuster is chair.

Main stage attractions, scheduled from 4:45-8 p.m. include: AZ Entertainment, a performing group from Chicago; Israeli folk dancing with Barbara Altman; and singing with Rabbis David Cohen and Phil Nadel and Cantor Ruth Berman Harris.

On the children’s stage, “Talk with the Animals” will be presented at 5:30 p.m. followed by “Lenny’s Magic Show” at 6:30 p.m.

In addition, an Israeli shuk (marketplace) will sell Israeli products such as jewelry, woodworks, wine, flowers and CDs. The food court will offer refreshments.

Also, games and rides for children and young adults including “Climb David’s Citadel,” “Ramon Jump” and camel rides will be featured.

Sponsors of the Yom HaAtzmaut concert include Asman Fund; Congregation Shalom; Jerome Weil Acharai Endowment; Jewish Community Foundation, the endowment development program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation; Lappin Family Fund for Israel; Milwaukee Jewish Council for Community Relations; Mert and Dottie Rotter; and Mark and Nancy Weiner.

Major sponsors for the celebration are: Firstar, Jewish Community Foundation, Dottie and Mert Rotter, Schuster Metals and Wellston Properties. In addition, many local synagogues, women’s organizations, civic groups and schools are co-sponsors.

For more information, call Barkin, 414-390-5705, or Dorene Paley, JCC community services director, 414-967-8217.