Students celebrate Israel Day

Blue and white balloons lined College Green yesterday for Israel Day '95, a celebration of Israeli culture on campus. Highlighted by Jewish klezmer music, Israeli folk dancing, crafts and kosher cuisine, the event was intended to "give the Penn community an appreciation and understanding of Israeli culture," according to College junior Steve Ebert, president of PennPac, a student organization devoted to promoting awareness of Israel and its culture. "We wanted to give the entire campus a truly enjoyable and educational experience," he said. The entertainment included a variety of performing groups and other samples of Israeli culture, including a musical group -- the Klingon Klezmer Band -- which performed traditional Jewish party music, first created in Eastern Europe. Band member Jack Kessler said his group's purpose was to demonstrate the music's applicability to the present as well as the past. "We're taking an older style and we're playing it through our experience as late 20th century musicians influenced by a wide range of contemporary and ethnic styles," he said. Ayalah, a University dance troupe specializing in Israeli folk dance, also performed several numbers, inviting audience members to learn various steps. College sophomore and Ayalah dancer Nicole Weiner said it was her group's intention to promote Israeli culture and enjoy themselves at the same time. "We're out here to get people excited over Israeli culture," she explained. "We also do it because we have fun." In addition to performances by such groups as Penny Loafers and the Amorphous Jugglers, there was a special taste test of Israeli food and drink. Students on Locust Walk were asked to sample kosher and non-kosher drinks and determine the difference in taste. Most students -- both Jews and non-Jews -- were unable to taste the difference. College junior and Israel Day co-chairperson Nick Merkin said he was pleased with the event's attendance. "I'm having a great time and we're very happy with the turnout," he said.