Yom HaAtzma’ut 2025

On May 14, 1948, thousands of men and women who’d just become citizens of the new State of Israel proclaimed by David Ben Gurion minutes earlier gathered on the streets of Tel Aviv to sing and dance in celebration, weeping as they belted out the words that crystallized our ancient hope:

לִהְיוֹת עַם חָפְשִׁי בְּאַרְצֵנוּ

To be a free people in our own land.

Seventy-seven years later, we will gather in Temple Emanu-El’s historic Fifth Avenue sanctuary in partnership with Temple Israel to celebrate the realization of that ancestral dream once more. The special Shabbat service will by energized by the Uri Gurvich Quartet who will spice up our traditional prayers and add their own music to this festive celebration of our peoplehood and homeland.

Festive oneg to follow the service.

The service will be livestreamed on Experience Emanu-El, Facebook and/or YouTube. 

About the Uri Gurvich Quartet

Described by DownBeat as a musician who “embodies the universality of jazz,” saxophonist and composer Uri Gurvich blends the improvisational spirit of jazz with the rich musical traditions of the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe, and beyond.

The Uri Gurvich Quartet features Gurvich alongside a powerhouse ensemble of Israeli jazz artists: Oren Neiman on guitar, Daniel Ori on bass, and Dani Danor on drums. Together, they have performed on major stages across the U.S. and around the world, delivering a sound that transcends borders while remaining deeply rooted in musical storytelling. Their Yom HaAtzma’ut performance promises a soulful and inspiring evening celebrating Israel’s cultural voice through the language of jazz.

The America-Israel Cultural Foundation (AICF)
Since 1939, the America-Israel Cultural Foundation (AICF) has supported Israeli artists, fostering excellence in music, dance, and visual arts. From legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman to members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, AICF has empowered over 18,000 artists to excel on the global stage. aicf.org.