Award-winning HAFTR celebrates Israel

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The Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, which usually takes part in New York City’s annual Celebrate Israel Parade like many Jewish schools, submitted a video of how the school community marks the Jewish state’s anniversary as the parade was canceled for a second consecutive year because of the Covid pandemic.

Typically more than 200 groups march in the parade. HAFTR took part in the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York’s virtual marching competition and was awarded runner up of the Harvey Kaylie Award for outstanding marching group.

The award honors groups who take the time and effort to creatively celebrate Israel. Gloria Kaylie sponsors it in memory of her husband, Harvey Kaylie, as well as Lotte Bravmann and Imma Kaufthal, individuals who embodied and embraced the values and ideals of celebrating the Jewish state.