Golden Flashes for Israel with Hillel as a co-host is hosting “Israel Fest 2013” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday on the Student Green outside the Student Center to celebrate Israel’s 65 years of independence.

Robert Weitzner, president of Golden Flashes for Israel and senior sociology major, said the free event will include stations to educate students about Israel and its culture. Weitzner said Stand With Us and Committee For Accuracy in the Middle East Reporting in America are the sponsors for the event.

Weitzner said there will be hookah, a mini-spa with mud from the Dead Sea, authentic, Israeli food, an Israel-themed photo booth station and a raffle with Israeli-invented giveaway items such as the Kindle.

“Israel Fest is important because it will help show students the fun and exciting side of Israel,” Weitzner said. “It will give students more of an idea of what Israeli culture is like.”

The official Israeli Independence Day was April 15, but due to scheduling issues, Weitzner said Golden Flashes for Israel was forced to celebrate the event Thursday.

Contact Arielle Campanalie at [email protected].