An Israeli flag draped over the steps descending into Chronic Town hookah lounge -- 224 W. College Ave. -- welcomed about 45 people to Penn State Hillel's Israel Independence Day party Tuesday night.
Penn State Hillel Israel Chairwoman Sally Hammer said the ability to fly the Israeli flag is a luxury only select countries have.
"In past times, Jews haven't always been able to come together, especially in the open," Hammer (freshman-nutrition) said. "In the U.S., we're able to gather and celebrate a nation that can fight for rights of the Jewish people and Jewish people's homeland."
Penn State Hillel provided traditional Israeli foods to those who gathered to partake in the celebration. Both traditional hookah and non-tobacco herbal hookah were available. Penn State Hillel Executive Director Aaron Kaufman said Israel's independence is worthy of celebration because of the 6,000 Jewish students at Penn State, and because Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East.
But Kaufman said the celebration was more cultural than political. He said Israel's contributions were worthy of celebration, citing technological advances and humanitarian efforts. Text messaging originated in Israel and Israelis were one of the first groups in Haiti, Kaufman said.
"The nature of this event is about affirming students' connection with Israel and building community," Kaufman said."
For Sami Mestel, the party was a celebration of two birthdays.
"It's my birthday and a bunch of my friends told me about it, because it is Israeli Independence Day, so I thought it'd be a nice way to celebrate both," Mestel (sophomore-biobehavioral health) said.
