The last week of May 2010 (23.5-26.5) was filled with state sponsored and local festivities across the country, celebrating the work of “Alliance-KIAH” during the past 150 years. The highlight of it all was a special assembly of the Israeli Knesset. In honor of the occasion, a special delegation came to Israel with a total of 50 people that included the management of “Alliance” in France as well as friends of the organization from Morocco and the United States. Also taking part in the festivities were hundreds of graduates, all excited to reunite with their school friends and to see that the organization so meaningful to them, continues still to lead a change through education.
The week was kicked off with a special honorary ceremony given by the Municipality of Ashdod that also hosted a reunion of “Alliance” graduates from Morocco. During the ceremony, the Mayor of Ashdod, Dr. Yehiel Lasry, dedicated a town square to “Alliance”.
The last week of May 2010 (23.5-26.5) was filled with state sponsored as well as local festivities across the country, celebrating the work of “Alliance-KIAH” during the past 150 years. The highlight of it all was a special assembly of the Israeli Knesset. In honor of the occasion, a special delegation came to Israel with a total of 50 people that included the management of “Alliance” in France as well as friends of the organization from Morocco and the United States. Also taking in the festivities were hundreds of graduates, all excited to reunite with their school friends and to see that the organization so meaningful to the, continues still to lead a change through education.
The week was kicked off with a special honorary ceremony given by the Municipality of Ashdod that also hosted a reunion of “Alliance” graduates from Morocco. During the ceremony, the Mayor of Ashdod, Dr. Yehiel Lasry, dedicated a town square to “Alliance”. The reunion was attended by more than 400 graduates and was led by MK Dan Ben Simon. It included a performance of the Andalusia Orchestra of Ashdod, A school piut choir and the distribution of honorary certificates. The city of Bat Yam held another reunion – this time for 200 graduates of “Alliance” Lebanon. The evening began with the crowd singing the anthem of “Alliance” followed by childhood songs in French. Later on, graduates shared storied from their time in school, including the Chairman of the Yad Ben Tzvi Institute – Prof. Yom Tov Asis. Closing the event were a special picture presentation of the schools in Lebanon and a performance of a Lebanese singer that incorporated both Arabic and French into her songs. Also honoring “Alliance” was French Ambassador, Mr. Christopher Bigot that hosted a cocktail at his residence in Yaffo for “Alliance” management from both France and Israel.
The highlight of the festivities was, of course, on Tuesday 25.5.2010 when representatives of the organization from Israel and abroad, friends, donors and graduates all assembled at the Israeli Knesset. The Knesset Chairman, Reuven (Rubi) Rivlin, hosted the honorary occasion that included the unveiling of a special exhibition and a ceremony attended by 400 current students and graduates of “Alliance”. During the ceremony, honorary certificates were given to graduates and activists whom made a significant contribution in the fields of Society, Culture and Education in Israel and around the world. Also, the audience was moved by the performance of “Alliance Tel Aviv” students as well as the piut choir of the “Haroe” school in Ashdod. After concluding the ceremony, the participants went to the Knesset Hall where the Chairman congratulated the organization and various Knesset Members reviewed the achievements and accomplishments of “Alliance”.
We invite all of the graduates of “Alliance” to take part in a special international reunion in the spring of 2011. Please check our website for further updates or sign up to get direct news from us at: http://www.alliance150.org.
