Yom huledet same'ach - that's "happy birthday," for those who don't speak Hebrew.
Israel's 60th "birthday," or day of independence, was celebrated on the Plaza of the Americas on Tuesday.
Since the actual independence day for Israel is May 8 - almost two weeks after the spring semester ends - UF organizations decided to party early.
Students waved Israeli flags made of Popsicle sticks and colored paper as they waited in line to get a thick slice of birthday cake.
The "Israel at 60" fair was organized to raise awareness for Israel's culture, innovations and accomplishments and to recognize its strong-standing position as one of the U.S.'s closest allies.
Erika Kane, president of Gators for Israel, said she was pleased with the turnout of about 400 people who crowded around booths to learn about diversity and humanitarian aid in Israel as they nibbled on falafel, pitas and baba ganoush.
The organizations were able to successfully host the celebration thanks to grants from various Jewish programs and organizations totaling about $4,200 as well as Student Government funds Kane said.
Kane wanted to inform people about issues other than the much-publicized conflict between Israel and Palestine.
"People tend to just focus on the conflict, but they can't see all of the beautiful and positive aspects of Israel," Kane said.
Some students took a break to fill sandbags and bottles with blue and brown colored sand representing the many beaches of Israel.
Shaina Akrish, executive vice president of the Jewish Student Union, it was important to inform people about Israel's features.
"We want to show people the other side of what they hear in the news," Akrish said.
For example, Israel developed the world's first cellular phone at the Motorola lab in Haifa, the third largest city in Israel.
The fair, organized in collaboration with Gators for Israel and other Jewish Student Union umbrella organizations on campus, was held in conjunction with Jewish Awareness Month.
The fair drew a diverse group of attendees, including students with differing political opinions and even local missionaries.
Thomas Murphy, a UF student, was not aware the fair was taking place but found it to be a great idea to hold a celebration.
Murphy said interacting with students at events like this helps to spread awareness about the goings-on with Israel.
"We celebrate the Fourth of July," Murphy said. "Why shouldn't they celebrate theirs?"
