Date: Tuesday, 13th May, 2008

The children of Naima Jewish Preparatory School in Maida Vale had great fun celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut last Thursday with Israeli music and lively traditional dancing. Dressed all in blue and white, and with the dancing expertly led by Mrs Rebecca Nahary, the Infants and their parents took advantage of the beautiful sunshine to perform Israeli folk dances outside in the playground. Later that morning, the Infants took part in Israel and Yom Ha’atzmaut-themed craft workshops in which they produced some Israeli flags, doves of peace, and blue and white fans.

Naima’s Juniors marked Israel’s 60th Yom Ha’atzmaut with a special quiz show on the topic of Israel. With Head Teacher Mr. Cohen as quiz master and Miss Herskine keeping track on the score board, the excitement built as the children competed neck and neck. The ten children who had excelled in their qualifying rounds in each Junior class took part in this exciting and very closely fought final stage. Correctly answering questions on geographical, historical, business, tourist, social and religious aspects of the topic, Simon Misrahi did well to emerge in first place from this closely competed quiz. In close second place was Ben Pasher with Natalie Deller taking third place. The knowledge of Israeli facts displayed by the children was impressive — and formed a fitting tribute to Israel’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.

“The children of Naima JPS really did justice to the spirit of the day,” remarked Michael Cohen, Head Teacher. “Yom Ha’atzmaut is a key event in our school calendar and we take great pride in our celebration of it.”