The Israel Fair at Kings Bay Y drew hundreds of attendees earlier this month for a vibrant celebration of Israeli culture, community and connection.
Organized by the World Zionist Organization’s Department for the Promotion of Aliyah and hosted by Ari Kagan, the Dec. 8 event transformed the Sheepshead Bay venue into a hub for cultural performances, meaningful discussions and opportunities for engagement.
Notable speakers, including Ofir Sofer, minister of Aliyah and Integration, and Yaakov Hagoel, chairman of the World Zionist Organization, inspired guests by emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
Local Assembly members Alec Brook-Krasny and Michael Novakhov also addressed attendees, stressing the strong bond between Israel and America, the need to support the local Jewish community and the growing threat of antisemitism.
The day began with heartfelt opening remarks from Kagan, followed by stirring renditions of the American national anthem and “Hatikvah” by Anna Geller. Attendees enjoyed live music by Vlad and dynamic performances by the Aelita Cultural Program, which showcased traditional Israeli dances and songs that highlighted Israeli heritage.
Panel discussions featured prominent figures, including Marina Rozenberg-Koritny, head of the Department for the Promotion of Aliyah; Major Anna Ukolov, IDF spokesperson; Anton Shaviner, a former Israeli reconnaissance officer; and Olga Ryzhkova, the mother of a fallen IDF soldier.
Rozenberg-Koritny said the event was “an opportunity to speak, listen, and build bridges between Israel and the Jewish community here.”
“The Jewish state needs its people just as the people have always needed their country,” she added.
Topics ranged from Israel’s public relations strategies to insights on Aliyah and the challenges Israel faces today.
Interactive exhibits from organizations such as Run for Their Lives, the Jewish Agency, and Garin Tzabar provided valuable resources for those interested in Aliyah and Israeli life. The event also included Zionist trivia sessions, where participants tested their knowledge for exciting prizes, including airfare to Israel.
The event’s success was driven by the hard work of the WZO repatriation support department team, including Evgeny Lekakh, Ilana Kozak, Karina Polonskaya, and Katya Zaeva.
“Today, we celebrated not only our shared heritage but also the strong bond that unites us,” Kagan told the crowd. “Together, we build a stronger future for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.”
Update: This story has been updated to include a featured photo depicting a traditional Israeli dance being performed at the fair.
