Thousands of enthusiastic participants enjoyed Raanana’s 21st annual Klezmer Festival held this Tuesday at the Raanana Park Amphitheater.  The colorful event opened at 19:30 with a Judaica fair, selling Jewish artwork and handicrafts.

The traditional event produced by the Informal Education Administration’s Adult Education Department - Israel Heritage Unit was held in cooperation with the Education Ministry’s Torah Culture Division for the Tel Aviv and Central regions.  This year, the event was entitled:  “Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself”, to encourage acceptance of those who are different, in the spirit of the Raanana community.

Among the artists appearing at the festival:  The Virtuosi of Tel Aviv Ensemble, Motti Giladi and the Kolan Band, the Pitchefkes, Eldad Levi and the Masa La’Hashem Project and Naor Carmi – Halev V’Hamaayan.  The even was hosted by Golan Azulai with the musical direction of Menashe Lev Ran.

The event was attended by Mayor Nahum Hofree and Director of the Informal Education Administration, Deputy Mayor Aryeh Friedman; Founder and Chairman of the Raanana Klezmer Festival, Mr. Zvi Kenig; Chairman of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee, MK Zevulun Orlev; and Director of the Education Ministry’s Torah Culture Division, Mr. Shmaryahu Levin.

In the photos:  Motti Giladi and Klezmer ensembles on the Amphitheater stage.  Photographer:  Sharon Bokov.