The Walk for Israel had more walkers than in prior years at the event on Sunday, May 15, despite moving from the North Shore to downtown Milwaukee.
About 700 people attended the event, which is typical, but usually only about 250 do the walk, said Rabbi Hannah Greenstein, vice president of outreach, Israel and overseas for Milwaukee Jewish Federation. This year, most attendees walked, she said.
The walk, for Yom HaAtzmaut, also known as Israeli Independence Day, started at the Milwaukee County War Memorial, 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive. It became a long, winding column of baby strollers, chatting groups of walkers and their Israeli flags meandering down Prospect Avenue and back into Veterans Park. The walk stopped for a flash mob presentation outside the Chai Point Senior Living Center, 1400 N. Prospect Ave., and at least one onlooker offered to use a walker’s phone to take pictures of their group.
“There were quite a few churches represented and a lot of amazing Christian volunteers (about 25) setting up and breaking down the event,” Greenstein said. “I think we really achieved all of Milwaukee – not just the Jews – celebrating Israel.”
Mayor Tom Barrett spoke at the war memorial, which also hosted music and entertainment, and various faith leaders participated.
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