Last spring T.R.I.B.E invited the entire New England region and beyond to celebrate Israel's Independence Day at "Studio 56th", Israeli fashion show and party at Boston's 33 Restaurant and Lounge.

 
Students came together on Thursday, April 22nd, 2004 to celebrate 56 years of Israel's Independence at the Yom Ha'atzmaut Party. The celebration featured T.R.I.B.E's first ever midnight fashion show highlighting the unique and stylish contributions of Israeli designers and trends including clothing from students from around the nation. Israeli music was provided for students to dance the night away and celebrate from 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m.

The organizing team, T.R.I.B.E, born in the winter of 2002, consists of University students from the greater Boston area dedicated to promoting Israeli cultural events. In the past, it was under the auspices USD/Hagshama (University Student Division) of the World Zionist Organization with the help of the Consulate General of Israel to New England. The organization consists of active members from several colleges in the Boston region including Northeastern, Boston University, Emerson, Suffolk, Harvard, Tufts, MIT, and Brandeis.

T.R.I.B.E's kick-off event in spring 2001 was the successful Israel Independence Day party, "Studio 54th: Celebrating 54 Years of Israel's Independence", which drew 500 people and raised over $3,000 for the Yochai Porat Fund of Magen David Adom, the Israeli EMT service. Other outstanding events by T.R.I.B.E was last year's Studio 55th, Israeli Movie night featuring Saint Clara at the Brattle Theater in Cambridge, and the smash event, Mizrachi Food Night in Brookline.

Proceeds raised through the Studio 56th event went towards Akim Israel, a national voluntary organization dedicated to the welfare, advancement and development of the mentally handicapped in Israel. Entry fee was $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

This year's Studio 57th at Rumor has a Middle East theme to celebrate the diversity of Israel. The night will feature Belly dancing and Debka dancing as well as educational materials created by students, a Bedouin tent, and photos of students in Israel surrounding the room. Proceeds go to Beit Hagefen, a community center in Haifa founded to enable social and cultural encounters between Jews and Arabs in order to promote understanding and coexistence

Bussing was available for select schools from campus to 33 Restaurant and Lounge last year as well as Rumor. For more information, please contact Lili Aram at 617-457-8747, or e-mail lilia@hagshama.org.il.

Studio 57th Co-Sponsored by: USD/ Hagsha;ma, Hamagshimim, Israel Aliyah Center, Consulate General of Israel to New England, Hasbara Fellowships, Birthright Israel Alumni Assoication, and the Israel Campus Roundtable.