Israeli fest draws 600

Hundreds of people united in the field behind McNutt Quad Sunday to support the state of Israel with the second annual Israelpalooza, sponsored by the Helene G. Simon Hillel Center.\nThe festival was a celebration of Israeli culture as well as a fund-raising opportunity for Magen David Adom, the Israeli Red Cross. Participants were asked to donate $15 to join the festivities. Gary Kenzer, co-executive director of the American MDA, said it is one of the foremost humanitarian organizations in the world.\n"Whenever there is a world disaster outside of Israel," Kenzer said, "we're usually one of the first three countries to respond."\nAmong the estimated 600 people in attendance was Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan.\n"Indiana and Israel have some commonalities," Kruzan said. "They are very similar in size and population. Of course, there are huge differences. In Indiana, we wake up every morning and assume we'll get to our destination safely. In Israel, if you go to town, your safety is always in question." \nLast year, Israelpalooza proved significantly beneficial to MDA. Kenzer said Israelpalooza raised $8,000 just before an emergency call for crisis funds came into the MDA offices for $8,000.\nThis year's event kicked off just after noon with a 5K walk around campus. After participants returned, the field was loaded with tables, tents and booths. In one area, dubbed the "Israeli mall," people could buy various types of Israeli merchandise, from a T-shirt to a mezuzah -- a Jewish blessing ornament.\nThe music was the selling point of Israelpalooza, showcasing talent from a cappella groups Straight No Chaser and Ladies First to nationally-known Black Eyed Susan and Ari Hest. Between the headliners, the student group Klezmer Coins played contemporary Jewish songs. Freshman Tracy Koontz said the music brought her to the festivities.\n"It's a nice day to hang out," Koontz said, "but I'm pretty much here for Ari Hest."\nAnother popular location on the field was the hookah tent. Students sat in a circle on blankets taking turns smoking from the community pipes.\nWhile fun was the order of the day, Hillel Center Programs Coordinator Michal Maoz Levy said the need for increased awareness brought Israelpalooza to fruition.\n"We wanted to raise awareness of Israeli culture," Levy said. "Most people know about the conflict, but we wanted to show them there are other facets of Israeli culture, such as our food and our art."\nCelebrators wishing to purchase pieces of Israeli culture had ample opportunities. Near the Israeli mall, shoppers could buy framed Jewish artwork out of a caravan -- a Dodge Caravan.\nThe "Kids' Tent" was a hotspot for the younger set. Along with a bean-bag toss and a "Write your name in Hebrew" station, children were encouraged to "Fish in the Kinneret" -- a small plastic inflatable pool overhauled from "Jews Gone Wild" took the place of the Israeli lake.\nIsraelpalooza Co-Chair Michael Israel said the event was a great learning experience for those not well-versed in Jewish tradition.\n"We're really proud of the work we've done," Israel said. "We hope people can enjoy themselves and get a little knowledge, a little education."\n-- Contact staff writer Rick Newkirk at renewkir@indiana.edu.