Free flights and Israel trip up for grabs in Yom Ha’atzmaut singing competition

Videos of people singing in English or Hebrew could win the singers a trip to Israel in 2021 as a prize for this year’s UK celebrations on Israel’s Independence Day.

The contest, which will be judged by celebrities, is being organised by JNF UK to mark this year’s Yom Ha’atzmaut, and submissions can include Israeli pop songs, traditional Jewish songs, original compositions or songs about Israel.

TV judge Robert Rinder, actress Maureen Lipman, Jewish News editor Richard Ferrer and Rosalyn Miller, winner of the 2020 ‘Jews Got Talent’ contest. Prizes include free flights and hotel nights in Israel in 2021.

Organisers of the digital song contest, to be hosted by comedian Ashley Blaker, said it was designed to help “bring the community together despite the social restrictions” imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rosalyn Miller said: “As a GP in this really challenging time for all of us, I know how important it is to keep our spirits up. That’s why I think the JNF’s contest, with its performances and creativity, is a perfect opportunity for us to come together in a safe fashion, enjoy ourselves and celebrate Israel’s Independence Day. It’s hard to dance the Horah together while we’re all in isolation, but this is definitely the next best thing.”

The best submissions for the contest, for which Jewish News is media sponsor, will be shown during an online event on Wednesday 29 April, with entries submitted before Monday evening through JNF UK’s website.

Enter here: https://www.jnf.co.uk/sing.Entries

“At a time when social distancing is having such an impact on our community, we hope our event will help bring us closer together,” said JNF UK chief executive Yonatan Galon. “With ‘Song Ha’atzmaut,’ we want to provide the soundtrack that Israel’s birthday celebrations deserve.”

Rinder said: “I’m very excited to take a break from my normal judging duties to join Song Ha’atzmaut. As far as I’m concerned, anyone who takes part and helps share some joy at this time is a winner in my eyes!”

Israelis typically celebrate Independence Day with public gatherings, flag-waving crowds at the Western Wall plaza cheering flyovers from the country’s newest jet fighters as IDF soldiers take part in torch-lighting ceremonies and politicians herald the state’s accomplishments in fields such as security, economics, foreign relations, technology, science and culture.

However, the coronavirus pandemic means this year’s celebrations will look radically different, despite this week’s announcement that some social restrictions are starting to be lifted.