Israel turns 70 and South Florida celebrates

More than 500 people gathered Thursday night in downtown Miami to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Israel — a milestone for the Jewish state.

The holiday, “Yom Ha’atzmaut“ (Israeli Day of Independence) is tied to the Hebrew calendar and was celebrated at sundown Wednesday. Lior Haiat, Consul General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico, hosted the reception at the Alfred I. duPont Building, 169 E. Flagler St.

Israel was founded on May 14, 1948.

To recognize the anniversary, more than 800 South Floridians went on a mission trip to Israel with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation to take part in the historical celebration.

This story was originally published April 19, 2018 at 10:23 PM with the headline "Israel turns 70 and South Florida celebrates."