The Israeli consulate in New York, in conjunction with the Culture and Sport Ministry, will hold a first-of-its-kind event in New York City to mark Israel's 70th-anniversary celebrations. The event, which will be open to the general public, will take place on June 3 at Times Square in Manhattan.
The festivities will kick off at 8 p.m., when Times Square will be painted blue in white and turn into the largest Israeli party in the world. The giant screens around the famous tourist location will broadcast video and audio clips documenting Israel's history, heritage and innovation. The unique four-minute display will be seen by millions of people. Among other attractions, Israeli pop star Shiri Maimon will perform live in front of an audience expected to number in the hundreds of thousands, after which Israeli DJ Omri Engel will take the stage.
Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev said: "The miracle known as Israel will be broadcast on the giant screens of Times Square, within the framework of an event that happens once in 70 years. Times Square, one of the most recognizable places in the world, is bustling, innovative and the most appropriate to serve as a captivating display window to Israel's trailblazing breakthroughs in numerous fields. Together we will celebrate the courageous bond between the United States and Israel – a bond based on shared values of justice, equality and a desire for peace."
Israel's consul general in New York, Dani Dayan, said: "I am proud to be part of this historically unique event. An unprecedented surprise awaits the people of New York and its environs. I invite all the people of New York, whoever they may be, to be part of history and celebrate with us."
