Union of Jewish Students

ISRAEL 60 FESTIVAL

Thursday, April 3rd was an incredible night for UJS when they hosted their Israel 60 Festival at the Ministry of Sound nightclub in London to celebrate Israels upcoming 60th anniversary.

Attracting over 700 students from all over the UK, the club was transformed into different areas of Israel (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, The Negev, The Galilee and a Bedouin Tent), with a variety of acts and entertainment filling the rooms.
The main stage room was filled to capacity and treated to performances from headliner Israeli Hip Hop act Subliminal, jazz funk Israeli group The Apples and British indie rock group Winterkids.

The main bar had a rare treat with internationally known Brooklyn born hip hopper Y-Love standing on the bar whilst performing. There was also a marketplace with stands giving out information on JNF, UJIA, Birthright, Israeli jobs, aliyah and summer trips available through UJS.
With a Bedouin Tent themed room in which well known stand up comics Ian Stone and Adam Bloom performed, a casino room, and an outdoor area with a mechanical bucking camel, full kosher BBQ, falafel stands, and nargilas, there was an endless supply of entertainment.

UJS Chair Jessica Truman said:

The event was a massive success. With an International selection of artists performing, an incredible venue and an atmosphere that saw over 700 students celebrating Israel 60 was incredible. UJS brought Israel to the students, and let them celebrate in style.”
“It was the first time that UJS has put on an event like this, and there will certainly be more like it to follow. Jewish students will have more opportunities to come together and celebrate the things that they are passionate about.

Though Jewish students will always come out for a good time, the nature of this event was a mixture of fun, games, food, Israeli culture, education and opportunities. This will hopefully foreshadow thriving Yom Haatzmaut festivities at the beginning of May, and we hope that these events are met with the same success as last week’s festival.