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Many people like to keep their age on the hush, but Israel is shouting it out loud.
The Jewish Federation of Southern Illinois, Southeastern Missouri and Western Kentucky sponsored an "Israel at 60" Festival, a celebration of Israel's 60th birthday, Sunday in Carbondale's Civic Center. Roughly 250 people of all ages enjoyed a miming presentation, Israeli music, folk dancing, arts and crafts and the opportunity to buy Israeli jewelry, books, food and coffee offered by the five performers and vendors from Israel.
"The fact that Israel is 60 today is really something that is not to be taken for granted. We could have easily disappeared from the face of the earth a day or two after we declared our independence," said Revital Yona, an Israeli Emissary for the Jewish Federation.
Yona, who is in America for only a year, said there are many misconceptions about Israel in the media.
"When you say 'Israelis,' many people who have never been there think of images from a battlefield, but the reality strikes people when they go there for the first time," Yona said.
Both Yona and Sara Faye Marten, of Murphysboro, said they hoped the main idea people learned from the event is that Israel is a nation with abundant nightlife, natural beauty and culture, not just a nation raging with war.
"Israel is alive. Israel is vital and fun. It's very vibrant. It is not a war-torn state as often mistaken for. There are war-torn areas, with people living normal lives," Marten said. "The whole theme behind Judaism is to live. If you have a tragedy, you are going to pick yourself up, and role your sleeves up and live your life. That's what Israel is doing."
Barbara Zemaitis, of Murphysboro, said being surrounded by Israel's Jews was an awakening experience, especially after being raised in southern Illinois. She said their lifestyle is just as fast paced as Americans', but they take the time to appreciate all that surrounds them.
"I spent time with an Israeli one morning and she told me, 'You wake up every morning not knowing if you're going to make it home or not, so you make your bed and kiss your mother goodbye,'" Zemaitis said.
A visit to Israel at least once in a lifetime is a must regardless of race or religion, said Rebecca Marten of Carbondale.
"They all know English and will speak English to you. They're very open and realize you're an American and are happy you're there because you're bringing them business, so it's helping their economy," Rebecca Marten said.
She said a trip could be expensive, but there are many programs available to travel to Israel for free or at a low cost.
Wendy Low, a from St. Louis, said she has been to Israel three times and plans to return soon to visit her sister, a member of the Israeli army. She said the food is one of many Israeli items she enjoys.
Sara Faye Marten said the closest place to get Jewish food is St. Louis, so the event offered Carbondale an opportunity to get great food without wasting gas.
The popularity of a dish called "falafel" is similar to that of the American hamburger, Yona said.
Sara Faye's daughter, Rebecca, said Israelis' love shopping as much as Americans do.
"They love Levi's. A lot of Israelis that I've met through summer camps and stuff, they come and look for Levi's. They look for cheap clothing too, because clothing over there is a lot different and a lot more expensive," she said.
Americans will see more of how Israel impacts American life soon, she said. Traditions, food and medical advances are a few pieces of Israeli culture that are slowly coming to the United States, Rebecca Marten said.
Yona said the struggle between Palestine and Israel impacts the Israelis in America almost as much as it impacts those from their home nation.
"(Israel's) aim and ours as well is to solve the conflict in peaceful ways, to have real peace, not just a piece of paper that an agreement is signed," Yona said.
Lindsey Smith can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 255 or lgsmith@siu.edu.
