Knoxville’s Dor L’ Dor band.
For the fourth year running, the Friends of Israel are putting on the Memphis Israel Festival, a daylong celebration Sunday at Patriot Lake in Shelby Farms.
It’s not a religious festival, although religion gets plenty of respect. “Probably about 60 to 70 percent of those who attend are Christian or secular,” said Shep Fargotstein, one of the festival organizers.
One of the area’s most notable religious figures is being honored. Father Nicholas Vieron, pastor emeritus of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, will receive the 2011 Man of the Year award for his groundbreaking work in interfaith relations in the 1960s and 1970s.
Father Vieron was among the group of interfaith leaders along with Rabbi James A. Wax who were instrumental in working for civil rights in Memphis in the 1960s.
“It’s important to honor those who were instrumental in doing groundbreaking work in bringing Memphis to where it is today,” Fargotstein said.
The festival will have, as in the past, a rich variety of Israeli and Jewish cultural music, dancing and food. And organizers say they are grateful to the Greeks and Italians for their support. “They’ve given us advice with their years of experience,” Fargotstein said. “These festivals give Memphis something besides barbecue — they give us diversity.”
More than 7,000 attended last year, organizers say, drawn by the exhibits and admission price (it’s free).
The performances are also a big lure. This year the featured bands include Knoxville’s Dor L’ Dor band (traditional and non-traditional klezmer music), folk pop players Rusty Graber & David Bearman, the Ruach Band and even a “Schmelvis” entertainer. There is also the acclaimed Israeli Dance Group featuring Sharona Rubenstein and Steve Weintraub.
One of the major attractions is the educational display, which this year includes an Israel/Haiti photographic exhibit.
“We want the world to know that there is more to Israel than the conflict and that Israel is more a high-tech country with all the modern conveniences one would expect in America,” Fargotstein said. “Israelis and Americans naturally share a common set of values that originate from a shared Judeo-Christian perspective. These values make Israel America’s most dependable ally in the world.”
The festival begins at 9 a.m. with a 5K Run/Walk. Music and other festivities continue through the morning. At 1 p.m. is an Israel rally and awards ceremony. Ishmael Khaldi, the highest-ranking Druze Israeli Arab in the Israeli Army is the main speaker.
Memphis Israel Festival
From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday at Patriot Lake in Shelby Farms, Germantown Parkway and Walnut Grove Road. Free admission and parking. For more information, go to memphisfriendsofisrael.org.
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