Celebrating the 4th in Jerusalem

July 5, 2011 - 9:03 AM by David

Celebrating independence in style in Jerusalem (Photo: Elle Yahalom)

The USA wasn’t the only place American Independence was celebrated on July 4th.
In Jerusalem at Kraft Stadium, hundreds of expat Americans as well as Canadians celebrating their own independence day gathered for the annual Fourth of July and Canada Day bash organized by the Association for Americans and Canadians in Israel.

There weren’t any fireworks at the late afternoon-evening event, but there were hot dogs, games and races for kids, and dozens of yard sale tables. One of the things we’ve always missed since living in Israel are the American Sunday yard and garage sales that suddenly appeared on every block in the neighborhood. So, it was nice to see the Israeli variation at work, with everything on sale from old VHS movies to kitchen utensils to kiddush cups.

On the live music stage, the main event of the evening came via the Jerusalem-based Long Time Gone, performing the all-American (and Canadian) music of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (Back in the day, they were considered the hippie fringe – now they represent the red, white and blue. Interesting what a few decades of perspective will do).

By the time of their set, the crowd had dwindled to a few dozen after peaking at several hundred earlier for the yard sale. And those that left missed a rousing set. And next week, at the same venue, more bands will arrive for the annual Woodstock revival show. Bring it on!

Closing the show in festive 1980s hair band style was this performance by the the new Jerusalem a capella group KOLture Shock.