Commemorations and celebrations for the Kansas City Jewish community are scheduled to honor the Israeli holidays Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Independence Day).

Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J, is partnering with local community organizations to commemorate Yom HaZikaron and celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut again this year. Events will take place both at the Jewish Community Campus and in other locations throughout the area to encourage community participation.

Information surrounding all upcoming events and activities for Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut can be found at thejkc.org/holidays.

A ceremony for Yom HaZikaron will be held on Tuesday, April 29, at 6 p.m. at The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre at The J. The event is free to the community and will honor Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror.

Returning this year as part of the Yom HaZikaron commemoration is a memorial run. Taking place the morning of Yom HaZikaron, April 29, Memorun – Ratzim Le’Zichram will be a 3K walk around The J’s indoor track that includes opportunities for each participant to learn the story of and run/walk in memory of an Israeli fallen soldier or victim of a terror attack. This event begins at 11:30 a.m. and is open to all, including families.

Additionally, Matkom Im Zikaron will return. Matkon Im Zikaron, meaning “Recipes with Memories,” is another way to honor one of Israel’s fallen soldiers. Boxes containing a memorial candle, the story of a soldier and their favorite recipe will be available for pick up at The J.

Two separate events will be held for this year’s Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations.

On Saturday, May 3, at 8 p.m., young adults 21 years and older are invited to attend a birthday party for Israel’s 77th anniversary at Strange Days Brewing (316 Oak St. Kansas City, MO 64106). The event, which has been created in partnership with Jewish Federation’s Young Adults Division (YAD) and JCRB|AJC, will include birthday games, party favors, birthday cake and a special drink. Party tickets cover food and one drink ticket; nonalcoholic options are available.

On Sunday, May 4, the entire community is invited to celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut from 2 to 4 p.m. at Meadowbrook Park (9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, KS 66207). The family celebration of Israeli Independence Day will include games, arts and crafts, dances and more.

Prior to these events, Midwest Center for Holocaust Education will be conducting a Yom HaShoah service at The White Theatre on Sunday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m. The service will commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the 62nd anniversary of the dedication of the Memorial to the Six Million artwork at the Jewish Community Campus.

This year’s partners include AIPAC; Congregation Beth Israel Abraham and Voliner; Congregation Beth Shalom; Congregation Beth Torah; Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy; JCRB|AJC; Jewish Community Foundation; Jewish Experiences; KC Kollel; Kehilath Israel Synagogue; KU Hillel; Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation; Menorah Heritage Foundation; Midwest Center for Holocaust Education; New Reform Temple; Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City; and The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.

This year’s programs are also funded by Mit-Habrim Connections, a project of the JCC Association of North America and the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.