Salute to Israel Parade

The countdown has officially begun to the Salute to Israel Parade on Sunday 29 June 2008.

The Salute to Israel Parade is no stranger to New York but this year, for the first time, it is coming to London and Manchester! The parade will be a public affirmation of solidarity with and support of Israel, as well as an expression of unity within the UK Jewish community, transcending religious and political affiliations.

The parade which will start at 12 noon on the corner of Berkeley Street and Piccadilly will then proceed down Piccadilly and around Piccadilly Circus, travel down Haymarket, through Trafalgar Square and end in Whitehall. (This route is similar to that used for the annual St Patrick's Day parade).

Supporters can expect a remarkable visual spectacle as they watch costumed marchers representing youth groups, schools, Jewish organisations and community centres, marching bands and professionally designed floats sponsored by private companies and Jewish organisations.

The Festive Rally will then start at 2pm in Trafalgar Square. We are excited to confirm guests representing The Governments of both Britain and Israel. From Israel we will welcome Knesset member and Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Issac Herzog MK. and Rt Hon Ed Balls MP will speak on behalf of the British Government. The event will be compered by LBC radio host and popular television personality Nick Ferrari.

The Chief Rabbi will lead a special version of "Oseh Shalom" composed by the UK's own Stephen Levy who will feature at the event. Members of the crowd will be encouraged to join in a mass singing of this version that has already been viewed over 100,000 times on YouTube.

As this is a family event there will be entertainment and food to suit all tastes. Come and enjoy music that ranges from Jewish rappers to Kletzmer and even a hip hop violinist. Enjoy further musical treats from Israeli stars Useless ID to Liel, widely credited as the 'Israeli Celine Dion.' A rare UK performance from Chassidic pop star Yoni Shlomi will complete the line up. There will even be Israeli dancing and a chance to join in with the Shabbaton Choir as they sing some well know favourites.

There will be a live webcast of the whole event, available to watch at www.salutetoisrael.org.

To enable others from throughout the north of England to participate a simultaneous event will take place in Manchester. A spectacular street parade will be followed by the 'Party in the Park' with 3 hours of nonstop entertainment and a wide variety of activities for all ages.

Among those attending are The Consul General of Israel Liora Givon, The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Manchester and the Mayors and Mayoresses of Bury, Salford, Trafford & Oldham and Ivan Lewis MP.

Thousands of people have already confirmed that they will attend the event by joining groups on facebook and other internet social networking sites.

UJIA is proud to be a major supporter for this public celebration. UJIA Chief Executive, Doug Krikler, comments, "The community is looking forward to celebrating with friends and family here in the UK, and we at the UJIA are proud to be involved in promoting an event which will educate the public about the importance of our connection with the people of Israel as well as providing a family friendly fun time for all"

The delivery of the parade and grand finale is being overseen by a team of senior professionals from the major UK Jewish community organisations, under the aegis of the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council. They include: UJIA, JNF UK, Zionist Federation, Zionist Youth Council, the United Synagogue, the Movement for Reform Judaism and the other main synagogue bodies. Security advice and expertise is provided by the Community Security Trust in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police.

For more information please visit www.salutetoisrael.org