Enjoying Israel’s achievements in Cape Town

TALI FEINBERG

It was a joyous celebration of family, unity, and fun, where for one evening, it was possible to forget Israel’s difficulties and enjoy her achievements. In spite of traffic and long queues, hundreds of people waited patiently to enter the venue, the Zip Zap Circus on the Foreshore.

There, they enjoyed the flavours and foods of the Middle East, a funfair and carnival that had children of all ages enthralled, and a meaningful shul service. A glittering circus tent was packed with people of all ages who got to experience a real circus, adding to the old-school atmosphere of the evening. For many children, it was the first time they had seen clowns and acrobats under a “big top”, while for the older generation, it brought back memories of a different time.

The concert also included rousing performances by the Khayelitsha United Mambazo Men’s Choir, the Bein Hashmashot Children’s Choir from Israel, and the Herzlia Vocal Ensemble. It was heart-warming to see South Africans of all backgrounds coming together to sing, dance, and celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut in the heart of the city, even if they were not all Jewish. Youth-movement members led the audience in waving South African and Israeli flags, celebrating the two countries that are so important to this community.

For years, Cape Town’s Yom Ha’atzmaut has been held at the Ratanga Junction amusement park or the Weizmann school campus, and this was the first time it was hosted at the Zip Zap Circus.

“I prefer this venue. At Ratanga, people were spread out, but here it feels like we are all together as a community,” commented one mother, as her children played happily nearby. Another said that the funfair, food stalls, circus, and atmosphere brought back memories of childhood.

Indeed, for one evening, families left behind the chaos of the week, the TV, the iPad, and the routine; and just spent time together, celebrating the miracle of a Jewish state.