In Israel, like in the United States, Independence Day is often celebrated with family and friends around the grill. But it’s also a time for tension in a new play from Israel that received its North American debut at Dobama Theatre last night.

Moshe Halbertal, an Israeli philosopher, professor and co-author of the Israeli Army Code of Ethics, told a local audience that he believes the Israel Defense Forces has fought a war on terror without brutalizing its forces, however, there are challenges and missteps regarding Israeli politicians’ messaging and dealing with the situation at the Gaza border.

A group of Cleveland women were in Israel with other women from Chicago, Indianapolis, and Milwaukee on the Women Partners for Peace mission.

At age 21, Albert Ratner experienced the birth of Israel in 1948. 70 years later, he continues to support and love what Israel is and what it stands for. We had the honor to spend time with the Federation Life Trustee to hear his thoughts on Israel today and the beginning of the Jewish state.

We wish all of our Onward Israel Cleveland participants a safe, exciting, and meaningful summer, as they immerse themselves in Israeli culture and make Cleveland friendships for a lifetime.

Jewish Clevelander Anna Lowenstein is spending 10 months in Cleveland's sister city of Beit Shean, teaching English to Israeli students through the "Masa Israel Teaching Fellows" program. Read an excerpt from her travel blog below:

Jewish Clevelander Ali Hamilton shows us a full day at a Haifa, Israel public elementary school with footage of teaching, students, and school life. Ali is a Masa Israel Teaching Fellow, spending 10 months volnteering to teach English to Israeli students.

Summer Soirée is just 1 week away! We can’t wait to see everyone on Thursday, June 7 to officially kick off summer in style. If you haven’t clicked that “register” button yet, here’s just a few highlights that’s going to make this year’s party our best yet:

Beit Shean, Israel, Cleveland’s sister city, has a hidden gem – or should we say a hidden vine.

On May 15, the Federation’s Community Relations Committee, in partnership with The Laura & Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning Program at Case Western Reserve University, Academic Engagement Network, and AJC, hosted a timely and unfiltered panel discussion about "American Jews and Israel: Where is the Relationship Headed?"