The growing Israeli population of the greater Seattle area will finally have an official Israeli cultural focal point, with the kick-off event of a new “Israeli House” on March 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC on Mercer Island ($10 entrance fee to cover costs).
“Israeli House,” or “Habayit Hayisraeli” in Hebrew, is a concept, rather than a specific place. The brainchild of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, it was initiated several years ago in cities throughout the world as a means of providing Israelis living abroad with an ongoing cultural “taste of home.” Coordinated by the Israeli consulates, the monthly meetings (conducted exclusively in Hebrew) can include anything from visiting artists or speakers, to news updates, political discussions, movies, holiday-related activities, etc. This month’s opening event will feature a rib-tickling performance by the famous Israeli stand-up comedian Doron Nesher. Future plans include an Israeli style Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) picnic and more.
For all the “transplanted” Israelis in the Seattle area, and anyone who speaks Hebrew well enough, “Habayit Hayisraeli” will be a home-away-from-home. For more information, or to get on the “Israeli House” mailing list, contact Nirit Ben-Ishay at the Israeli Consulate General in San Francisco at 415-844-7503, or israelhouse@sanfrancisco.mfa.gov.il.