Sukkot refers to the Jewish holiday commemorating those forty years in which the Jewish people wandered in the desert. During this holiday the Kurd congregation in Israel holds a colorful out door festivity. Lets join our Israeli correspondent Isabella Xiong for more.
Kurdistan is the geographical area that spreads out over parts of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria and Armenia.
Most of the Jewish Kurds immigrated to Israel during 1950. Today the community consists more than 160,000 people that are scattered all over Israel with a majority that is located in Jerusalem. This community strives to preserve its tradition, culture and the Aramaic language.
This Sarane festivity conveys the care for nature by celebrating it with folk songs and dances, yet a major part of the festivity is simply enjoying out doors with family members and friends.
[Abraham Siman Tov, Community Leader]:
This is a community with a lot of character and Im proud to be a part of it. A member of a diligent, and devoted community that its people don't need others apart from themselves people are doing for themselves, for the community and for the country.
Mordechai Yona screened the movie From Exile to Salvation which presents the Jewish way of life in Kurdistan, as it was in the past. Mr. Yona, believes this movie can help the younger generation to preserve their heritage.
This year the participants in the Sarane festival were mainly young people. We noticed one man in particular who stood apart from all the others. He danced the whole evening and encouraged others to join the people that were dancing in circles.
[Yosef Rabin, Participant]:
The responsibility of the leader is to guide and also to watch peoples steps within this circle that I lead without creating any gaps between them. Since everybody else in this circle but me are holding hands, Im the only one who can make more moves.
The duration of the melody, though, surprised me. Each music piece lasted for about 15 minutes so...no wonder the leader was soaking wet.
Isabella Xiong, NTD, Israel
For more news and videos visit ➡ http://english.ntdtv.com
Follow us on Twitter ➡ http://twitter.com/NTDTelevision
Add us on Facebook ➡ http://on.fb.me/s5KV2C
