An anniversary concert dedicated to the 60th Anniversary of the Independent Israel was conducted on 20 May, 2008 at the Al-Farabi Students’ Hall of KazGNU. The Ambassador of Israel in Kazakhstan, Ran Ishay, the Director of the International Jewish Agency "Sokhnut" in Kazakhstan, Yosif Lebovich, and the Executive Vice-President of Eurasian Jewish Congress Fedor Osinin opened the concert with their warm wishes for this memorable occasion and other May celebrations.

"I would like to congratulate the Jewish community of Kazakhstan, and to wish everyone long-lasting prosperity," said Yosif Lebovich. "I would like to see the youth deepen their knowledge about their ancestry and maintain connection with Israel. Respect your elders, teach your children and develop further your community. Good luck!" During the two-hour concert the public was entertained by a famous Israeli tenor Evgeniy Shapovalov, who is also often referred to as the second Pavarotti. The Maestro performed songs of many styles and periods in Hebrew, Russian and Spanish languages. The entrance to the Students’ Hall houses "My Israel", the first national Israeli exhibition of repatriated photographers. Here the public can see beautiful images of Israel, its nature and people.

In Israel the Independence Day is celebrated by majestic functions, military parades. Religious people read special prayers. In Almaty, even without the parade the 60th Anniversary of Israel was celebrated to the fullest.

Chag sameach!

Anna Naumova