The Ellis County Press: 'Celebrate Israel' a great success 'Celebrate Israel' a great success ================================================================================ Elisa Norman (The Living Word) on 08/26/2010 10:34:00 This past Sunday, Aug. 22, the city of Dallas showed its overwhelming support for Israel in the plaza of the American Airlines center. Despite the unbearable heat, hundreds of people, Jewish, Christian, and Messianic, united to listen to speakers, enjoy live music, eat kosher Israeli food and visit with others of like mind. The event was free and volunteers rotated through the crowd passing out water bottles to keep everyone hydrated. Speakers included Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, Consul General to the Southwest United States Meir Shlomo, Rabbi Adam Raskin, and Pastor Terri Pearsons, among others. Some current events were discussed, including the opportunity Israel had this weekend to take out the Iranian Bushehr reactor before its fueling this past Saturday. Informational booths announced the overall value of Israel’s presence as a nation in the volatile Middle East and included the detailing of the benefits of the Dead Sea and its products, emphasizing the ethical values and practices of the IDF and showcasing the advancements Israel has made in the areas of technology and agriculture. Live music was provided by Raquel Gershon, Eli Davidson and friends, the Anshai Torah choir and Israeli Itamar Meiri. The celebration continued with Israeli dancing led by Rikkud. Activities for children included a puppet show performed by the Tiferet Pitzel puppet players and craft tables where children could color and glue together magnets that announced happily, "Shalom Y’all!" The entire event was recorded and shown in Israel. May they be lifted in spirit knowing that they are not alone!