Regina Spektor sings for the crowd.

The Jewish homeland, the land of milk and honey or the Holy Land—no matter what it’s called, it’s the land we love: Israel. Thousands of people from across the country and around the world converged in the heart of Washington, D.C., on June 1, 2008, to celebrate Israel@60: A Capital Celebration. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the Embassy of Israel and over 100 partners, supporters, producers and sponsors presented a free community festival on the National Mall.

The day of celebration included a fantastic set of performances. Mandy Patinkin (Broadway, film and television star) sang one of the most unique renditions of “God Bless America” in Yiddish. Regina Spektor (emerging vocal artist) multi-tasked by singing her heart out, playing the piano and beating the drums, all at the same time. Mashina (Israeli pop-rock band) gave a show-stopping performance with its own special brand of Israeli rock. And younger audience members enjoyed Oscar and Oofnik (Sesame Street Muppets).

Rabbi Michael Farber from Washington Hebrew Congregation said while holding his son in one hand and a melting ice cream in the other: “Being in the middle of the Mall surrounded by thousands of other Jews feels like you’re in Israel. It’s like you’ve come home—it’s a fabulous feeling!”

The day was breezy and warm and the pulse of the crowd was enthusiastic and vibrant. The aroma of Middle Eastern food filled the air as young and old visited exhibits depicting Israel’s diversity and culture. There were many performances throughout the day, including dance, music, drama and speeches. Kids of all ages participated in arts and crafts.

It was quite a sight to see so many Israeli flags waving in the gentle wind with the U.S. Capitol as one backdrop and the Washington Monument as the other.

Renee, an urban young adult from Washington, D.C., said: “I came to this event because my cousin is in the choir. What Israel’s 60th birthday represents to me is family and freedom for the Jewish people. My grandparents were all Holocaust survivors. When my grandfather was recently interviewed, he said that he’d give his life for Israel. So that’s the significance of being here today for me. It’s also where my father is from.” 

One high-school senior from Potomac, Md., said: “I just got back from a three-month trip to Israel with my school. I know that Israel is a place I can always go as a Jewish person. It’s a homeland for me and it really means a lot.”

It was an exhilarating day. The landscape was sprinkled with kids being carted around in red wagons holding little Israeli flags, women on blankets snuggled into their boyfriends, senior citizens walking hand-in-hand and groups of teenagers goofing around with their friends.

After so many years of persecution, Israel has liberated our people. L'Chaim!

Michele Pinczuk is a teen journalist who freelances for several publications, including The New York Times. She lives in the Washington, D.C., area. Michele loves New York and Saturday Night Live. Her role models are Gilda Radner, Golda Meir, her grandmom, mom and Aunt Sylvia. She’s also a member of the JVibe Teen Advisory Board.