77 Minutes of Hope: A Yom Ha'Atzmaut Celebration
An evening of storytelling, music, and powerful performances as we commemorate Israel’s Yom Ha'Atzmaut with 77 Minutes of Hope.

This special program brings together acclaimed artists, writers, and advocates to explore themes of resilience, identity, and hope through diverse creative expressions. The evening will also feature a presentation of State of the Jews, the opera by Alex Weiser and Ben Kaplan.

Come together in a spirit of community, reflection, and optimism. In times of uncertainty, we affirm our shared humanity and the enduring power of hope.

Featured Presenters:

• Iddo Gefen – Award-winning writer

• Ben Kaplan – Librettist, State of the Jews

• Daphna Mor – Internationally renowned musician

• Ruby Namdar – Award-winning novelist and LABA scholar

• Nim Shapira – Acclaimed filmmaker, director of Torn

• Judith Shulevitz – Writer and culture critic

• Alex Weiser – Composer, State of the Jews; Pulitzer Prize finalist

• Alana Zeitchik – Advocate, speaker, and writer

This event is made possible with generous support from the Israel Engagement Fund: A JCC Association of North America Program Accelerator and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.