Atlantans Offer Israel Birthday Cheer
SPECIAL FOR THE AJT //
A day’s worth of rain didn’t stop Atlantans from showing up in force to celebrate the Jewish State’s 65th birthday. On April 28, the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast hosted world-renowned vocalist David D’Or for a special concert event at The Temple.
Before the music began, Consul General Opher Aviran, Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed spoke at a VIP reception in the
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Schwartz Goldstein Hall. Aviran expressed his sincere gratitude for the support given to his home nation by the U.S., its leadership and its citizens.
“Israel has become the start-up nation and has developed the strong Israel Defense Forces, and all these changes could not have been possible without the United States of America,” he said. “The president, the U.S. Congress and the American people – together with them, we have built this ultimate alliance.”
The Consul General continued by presenting Olens with an award to recognize his support for Israel and then introduced Reed to the podium. The mayor spoke of his own personal connection to both the local Jewish community and the Jewish homeland.
“Friends, the Israeli narrative is one of strong families, constant resilience in the face of terror, unwavering courage in the midst of danger and undaunted determination when confronted with constant threats to its right to exist,” he said. “It’s important for you to know that I unequivocally stand with the people of Israel and with the nation of Israel.”
Afterwards, the crowd filled the synagogue’s sanctuary to capacity to enjoy D’Or and his accompanying musicians. After an introduction from Rabbi Peter Berg, the artists launched into a diverse set, including original material as well as renditions of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Amazing Grace” and Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All.”
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