Library events to mark Israel's 60th anniversary

The East Brunswick Public Library, Jean Walling Civic Center, will host a variety of events from 2-5 p.m. on May 4 to begin its month long 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Establishment of the State of Israel.

A photography exhibit titled "The Land of Israel Is Beautiful! Eretz Yisrael Yafah!" will open at 2 p.m. and run through May 30. The exhibit, which will feature work by members of the East Brunswick Jewish Center, will illustrate the country's beauty, diversity and the character of its people. Gerry Feldman conceptualized and curated the exhibit with his wife, Sarina Feldman.

Gabriela Sadote-Sleppin, director of the Jewish Federation's Jewish Community Relations Council, will deliver the opening remarks.

The RutgersUniversity a cappella group Col Ha Layla, sponsored by the East Brunswick Arts Commission, will offer Israeli songs. The first-, second- and thirdgrade classes at Solomon Schechter School, East Brunswick, under the direction of teacher Vera Galleid, will perform Israeli dances.

Guest SpeakerGilHoffmanwill deliver a lecture titled "The Challenges Israel Is Facing on Its 60th Birthday, and How TheyAre Being Overcome." Hoffman, the chief political correspondent and analyst for The JerusalemPost and the Israel correspondent for the New Jersey Jewish News, has interviewed PrimeMinister Ehud Olmert, President Shimon Peres and numerous major figures across the Israeli political spectrum. Hoffman's writing and television appearances provide a behind-the-scenes look at the intrigue and humor in the Israeli political arena. The lecture is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County.

For more information on the 60th anniversary celebration events, log on to the library'sWeb site atwww.ebpl.org or call (732) 390-6767.