Esraites holding Esra placards in Raanana’s Israel’s 60th celebration.

The streets of Raananna were bedecked with streamers and lights for Israel's 60th birthday, and Esra was represented in the parade on Independence Day by eleven Esraites holding Esra placards and white and blue balloons aloft. Most of the ladies wore Esra tee shirts and hats, and as we marched down Achuza Street we were given applause and cheers not only by our supporters, but also by the citizens of Raanana.

Speaking for myself, and I assume for all of us walking, it gave me such a feeling of belonging to this wonderful country and made me proud of its successes in the past 60 years. Truly a miracle considering the parched land that we were given!

We are proud of Esra in our English-speaking community and, as we help so many deserving causes, we felt our participation in Raanana's parade to be the icing on the cake.

I am putting my tee shirt and cap aside for next year's parade and hope some of the readers of our magazine will come join us then.