Faith

Many Jews rightly regard Manchester as the 'cradle of Zionism'. It was here that the first president of Israel Chaim Weizmann began his political campaign for Jewish national home securing a pledge from the British Government in 1917 for a homeland in Palestine.

Heaton Park

That campaign finally came to fruition 60 years ago with the birth of Israel  commemorated by Jews across the world on the evening of May 7th  2008, the Hebrew date for the anniversary.

On that date in Manchester, the sombre mood of Yom Ha-Zikaron (Israel’s Fallen Soldiers Day), accompanied by the blowing of the shofar, turned imperceptibly into Yom Ha-Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day), which was greeted with Israeli songs and dancing.

Party

Now, Manchester’s Jewish community – the largest in the UK outside London - is preparing for its biggest event so far: a giant street parade and party in Heaton Park on June 29.

Entertainment will include Israeli singer Avivit Caspi; How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria finalist Abi Finley from Prestwich; a world record attempt for the biggest simcha dance circle; as well as Israeli food, of course.

Dr Irene Lancaster

Dr Irene Lancaster understands Manchester’s links with the Israel better than most. A lecturer in Jewish history, she currently divides her life between Manchester and Haifa for family reasons.

“It promises to be a fantastic day for all the people of Manchester. And I hope that as many people come along as came to Heaton Park to see Pope John Paul II!”

Community

However Irene says that by using the event to forge links between Manchester and Israel, the Jewish community will be stronger.

“For many Jews around the world, Israel is the one place they can really feel safe and increasing numbers want to move to the homeland. But it’s important for Jews to remember that we are one community whether in Manchester or Haifa.”

According to Dr Lancaster, nothing like his has ever happened in Britain before, and will be paralleled with a similar salute to Israel 60 event in London.

Dr Irene Lancaster is an author and lecturer in Jewish History.

Manchester Salutes Israel event takes place in Heaton Park, Prestwich on 29 June 2008