Times Square to turn blue and white next week

By AMY SPIRO

MAY 30, 2018 17:33

Updated: MAY 31, 2018 01:13

Video to be played in Times Square, New York in honor of Israel's 70th anniversary, June 3, 2018. (Credit: AVS)

Under heavy security, Shiri Maimon and Miri Regev to take part in event marking Israel’s 70th birthday

For a few minutes next Sunday, the screens of Times Square will light up with a display of Israeli innovation and ingenuity.

As part of Israel’s 70th-anniversary celebrations, a four-minute video will play on June 3 in the heart of New York City at one of its most recognizable tourist destinations.

“For the first time, the wonder that is called Israel will be displayed on the enormous screens of Times Square in a once-in-70-years event,” Culture Minister Miri Regev said.

“Times Square is a bustling, innovative and worthy place to serve as a hypnotizing showcase for Israeli breakthroughs in all fields,” she added. “Join me in Times Square, and together we will direct the hands of time to 70 years of vision and fulfillment, which embody the dreams of thousands of years.”

Regev will appear in person at the event, alongside popular Israeli singer Shiri Maimon, who will perform. The event is being organized by the Culture Ministry and the Israeli Consulate in New York as a celebration of Israel’s 70th birthday.

The video displays and celebrates Israeli innovation in various fields, including irrigation, desalination, sustainable energy and space exploration. Video snippets include astronaut Ilan Ramon floating in the Columbia, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shaking hands with US President Donald Trump, views of Jerusalem’s Old City and black-and-white footage from the Knesset.

Both Regev and Consul-General to New York Dani Dayan will be taking part in the event, despite earlier reports that they would not do so for security considerations. Several reports indicated that there is a security ban in place on high-level officials taking part in the event. But both Dayan and Regev have said they will be there.

“I’m proud to be a part of his historic, once-in-a-lifetime event that will take place in New York,” Dayan said. “I invite all the residents of New York to be part of history and come celebrate with us.”