Hillel sponsors 2nd annual Israelpalooza

Sunday, while most students are tucked in their beds, the McNutt field will be alive with spirit and culture as the second-annual Israelpalooza commences. Israelpalooza, IU's walk for Israel, aims to raise money and awareness for Israel's Red Cross known as Magen David Adom.\nIn addition to a walk, Israelpalooza will also feature an Israeli festival with Israeli delicacies, children's events, cultural art and dancing and musical performances by artists including Ari Hest, Black-Eyed Susan, Ladies First and Straight No Chaser.\nThe event is sponsored by the Helene G. Simon Hillel center.\nAndy Gitelson, Hillel program director, said Israelpalooza is more than just an event to raise funds for a charitable cause. \n"(It) allows students and non-students to experience a culture that they have never experienced before" Gitelson said. "Israelpalooza promotes diversity."\nThe event is open to students and local residents. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by a kick-off celebration, walk for Israel and Israel festival. \nJunior Becca Bloch, co-chair of Israelpalooza, said it will illustrate the vibrancy of Israeli culture. \n"Israelpalooza will give Jewish and non-Jewish students the opportunity to celebrate Israeli culture," Bloch said. "Israelpalooza is open to all students who want to help Magen David Adom, which helps people of all walks of life."\nAccording to the IU Hillel Web site, www.indiana.edu/~hillel, MDA is Israel's national emergency medical service, which provides medical assistance to anyone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. \nSophomore Michael Israel, co-chair of Israelpalooza, said there is a vast difference in preparation from last year's event. This year, the event is looking to attract more students and volunteers. \n"The people who are in charge of coordinating Israelpalooza are family," Israel said. "We are able to reach more people because we are passionate about raising awareness."\nThose interested in participating in Israelpalooza can register at the Hillel Web site or at McNutt before the event. The registration fee is $15 and the first 500 people who sign up will receive a free Israelpalooza T-shirt.\n"Hillel should be perceived as a place for culture, as well with providing Jewish students a place to pray," Gitelson said. "Hillel is a great place for students to meet people and expose themselves to culture.\nIn the event of inclement weather, those wishing to participate in Israelpalooza should meet in the McNutt formal dining lounge, located inside McNutt Quad.\nGitelson said he encourages everyone to take advantage of the fun and beneficial activities of the day. \n"Israelpalooza not only gives participants an opportunity to explore Israeli culture, but it allows them to experience the beginning of spring."\n-- Contact staff writer Eric Tash at etash@indiana.edu.