Thousands of people are expected to turn out for the first UK “Salute to Israel” parades in London and Manchester on June 29.
The London parade, which will start at midday on the corner of Berkeley Street and Piccadilly, will culminate in a Trafalgar Square rally at 2pm. Supporters can expect a visual spectacle as they watch marching bands and floats sponsored by companies, including the JC, and communal organisations.
The rally will be compered by LBC radio host Nick Ferrari, with guests including Knesset member Isaac Herzog and Ed Balls MP.
Taking to the streets to advertise the rally
Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks will lead a special version of Oseh Shalom, already viewed more than 100,000 times on YouTube. Israeli pop punk band Useless ID, singer Liel and Chassidic pop star Yoni Shlomi will complete the line-up.
A live webcast of the event will run at www.salutetoisrael.org.
Thousands of people have already confirmed that they will attend the event by joining groups on Facebook and other social networking sites.
Douglas Krikler, UJIA chief executive, said: “We want the whole community to mark Israel’s 60th birthday. We are excited to celebrate with friends and family here in the UK at an event that will educate the public about the importance of our connection with the people of Israel, as well as providing a family friendly fun time with a carnival atmosphere.”
The celebration is being overseen by a team of community organisations, under the aegis of the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council. They include: UJIA, JNF UK, Zionist Federation, Zionist Youth Council, the United Synagogue, the Movement for Reform Judaism and other main synagogue bodies.
The Manchester celebrations will include a street parade starting at a North Manchester location. For further details email manchester@salutetoisrael.org or call the JNF office on 0161 795 7565.
The parade will be followed by the “Party in the Park” at Heaton Park with three hours of entertainment.
