Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev has announced that the honor of lighting a torch at the national Independence Day ceremony will be granted to to a member of Diaspora Jewry this year.
By TAMARA ZIEVEUpdated: APRIL 19, 2017 11:49Israel's Independence Day(photo credit: ILLUSTRATIVE: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev announced this week that for the first time a member of Diaspora Jewry will be selected for the honor of lighting a torch at the national Independence Day ceremony on Mount Herzl.Each year, Israeli movers and shakers are selected to light a beacon, in line with the annual theme.This year, the theme will be the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, and Regev decided to dedicate one of the torches to the Jewish People.The Ministerial Committee for Ceremonies and Symbols, headed by Regev, will choose the candidate from nominations made by Diaspora Jews, who will be invited to throw their suggestions into the hat with the launch of a campaign next week.The committee is seeking candidates “who personify the concern and work being done for the future of the Jewish People, and reinforce the link between the world Jewry and Israel.”Nominations may be sent to masuot@most.gov.il until April 3.