Israel’s 68th Independence Day celebration in Fort Mill

Everyone is invited to a celebration at the Heritage International Atrium in Fort Mill May 12 to celebrate the nation of Israel’s 68th Independence Day.

The free event, A Night to Celebrate Israel, is sponsored by Vision for Israel, a humanitarian relief organization that serves the needs of the poor in Israel.

Everyone is welcome, whether they are Israeli or of the Hebrew faith or not, said Mike Vance, the planning manager for Vision for Israel.

The modern state of Israel was created after World War II in the wake of the Holocaust in which six million European Jews were murdered by the Nazis and tens of thousands more were nearly starved and worked to death in the Nazis’ concentration camps.

“There will be both Jews and Gentiles in our congregation, and speaking for the evening,” Vance said.

The keynote speaker is Lt. Gen. “Jerry” Boykin, a founding member of the U.S. Army’s Delta Force. Since 2012, Boykin has served as vice president of the Washington, D.C.-based Family Research Council, a lobbying organization that advocates for socially conservative policies.

Vision for Israel was founded in 1994 by Barry and Batya Segal. The Segals, who live in Israel and are Messianic worship artists, will be leading worship.

“It’s going to be a night to, literally, celebrate Israel,” with traditional Israeli food – “to get a taste for Israel,” – and dancing, Vance said.

Though they’ve had similar celebratory events in the past, “This is the first time we’ve ever had it on Independence Day,” he said.

Guests are asked to RSVP to the event so organizers can plan enough food for all.

A special offering for Israel will be taken.

“We literally help thousands and thousands of poor Israelis. There’s about nine of 10 different projects (Vision for Israel supports.) We help Holocaust survivors, we help the needy with financial vouchers,” Vance said.

There will be Judaic items for sale as well, such as scarves, anointing oils, books and Israeli flags.

“It should be a real joyous occasion,” Vance said.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 11:38 AM with the headline "Israel’s 68th Independence Day celebration in Fort Mill."