Israelpalooza focuses on culture, music

Israeli culture came alive along with signs of spring, Sunday afternoon in Dunn Meadow at the third annual Israelpalooza sponsored by the Helene G. Simon Hillel Center. Hundreds of people crowded Dunn Meadow in order to celebrate Israeli culture and raise money for the Israeli Red Cross, Magen David Adom.\n"We could not have asked for a more beautiful day," said junior Lauren Miller, an Israelpalooza volunteer. "It's great to see how many people have turned out today in support of Israel."\nMagen David Adom provides emergency medical services to people in Israel and around the world regardless of race. Jill Vass, a Bloomington community member thinks raising money for Magen David Adom is crucial to the state of Israel.\n"This cause concerns everyone, Jewish or not," Vass said. "Magen David Adom makes such a positive contribution to the medical field and they need as much support as they can get."\nAfter partaking in a two-mile march around campus, participants of Israelpalooza enjoyed an Israeli festival that featured traditional Israeli food provided by Falafel of Kirkwood, cultural music and a hookah bar. Educational booths provided information on Israel, ranging from history facts to lessons in making traditional pita. \nIU College Democrats were proud to show their support at the festival. \n"The political issues in the middle east are extremely important to the Democratic Party," Jared Fallick, president of College Democrats, said. "It is important for us to show our solidarity with Israel."\nSenior Miriam Osadchey said this year's festival was beyond her expectations.\n"I have been to the previous Israelpaloozas and this year's is by far my favorite," Osadchey said.\nAs the day's festivities continued, the voices of Straight No Chaser and Ladies First filled the air. But it was Bloomington's own Mike and Joe, the featured band of Israelpalooza, that got people up and dancing. Not only did Mike and Joe get the crowd moving, they also attracted some participants to the event.\n"We have definitely had people who are fans of Mike and Joe comment on the fact that they came to the festival for the music," said senior Amanda Trew, who does promotions for Mike and Joe at IU. "A lot of those people have been non-Jewish, so I think it is a plus for them that they get to hear the band and learn more about Israel."\nThis year's festival has unofficially raised more money than in previous years. Jessie Mallor, director of Jewish Student Life, is expecting to find out how much Israelpalooza raised in the coming week.\n"Overall the participation in the festival has been amazing. We have raised a lot of money for a cause that gives medical aid to all people," Mallor said. "And we have given students and community members a chance to experience the wonderful culture that Israel has to offer."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Monica Dix at mcdix@indiana.edu.