In celebration of Israel's 60th birthday, we invited Kellman Academy and Politz Day School sixth graders to answer questions about the Jewish State. Responding from Kellman are: Hayley Aaronson, Marissa Adler, Ayelet Arbely, Hannah Baruch, Logan Lassin, Jacob Ruttenberg, Elizabeth Siegel, Mollie Taylor, Miriam Teller and Daphna Varadi. Politz is represented by: Raquel Cohen, Yaniv Dahan, Shoshana Ginsburg, Noi Gola, Sarah J., Ephraim Joseph, Chana Mangel, Daniella Panitch, Devorah Shamilov and Lital Yanmi.

- The Editor Q: Favorite Israeli leader and why? A. David Ben Gurion, because he put Israel on the right track to success- Logan Lassin A. Shlomo Meidanchick. He was the first mayor of Kfar Chabad and helped settle Jewish Russian immigrants. He created the largest settlement in Israel.- Chana Mangel A. Yitzchak Rabin, because he was a hero.- Jacob Ruttenberg A. Gold Meir, because she was the first woman to lead Israel. Even though she went through a lot as a child, she turned out to be a smart and famous leader.- Devorah Shamilov A. Golda Meir. Because she did many things for Israel. She also made a big difference because she was the first female Prime Minister. - Daphna Varadi Q. The most interesting thing you know about Israel? A. How strong the army is.- Hayley Aronson A. The Kotel because it is a great and holy place for everybody.- Raquel Cohen A. That the people and their stories of the Chumash that we read every week at synagogue could have been standing and taking place at the same spot you are in Israel, but thousands of years ago.- Elizabeth Siegel A. The different cultures in Israel. My whole mom's side lives there. My cousins, grandparents and tons of uncles and aunts. my dad's side also lives in Israel.- Noi Gola A. How many wars Israel was in and how we survived most of them.- Shoshana Ginsburg A. That Israel invented the cell phone, and it may be small, but it has one of the best military defenses in the world- Miriam Teller Q. When did you visit Israel last, and what did you enjoy most? A. November, 2007. My favorite part was buying my tallit. We bought it on Ben Yehuda Street. It felt especially meaningful to buy a tallit in Israel- Marissa Adler A. A couple of days ago. I liked Masada and Ein Gedi- Yaniv Dahan A. Last summer. My favorite part was staying in Kibbutz Lavi- Ephraim Joseph A. Last year and I really enjoyed going to Yad Vashem.- Sarah Joseph A. Two weeks ago for my cousin's wedding. I really enjoyed learning about my famiIy history and spending time with them- Daniella Panitch A. In the summer after first grade. I enjoyed Eilat the most There was an amazing pool, a beach and other fun activities. Also, there were delicious kosher meals. - Yaniv Dahan A. I have never been, but am already excited to be going with my 8th grade class.- Mollie Taylor Q. How will you celebrate Israel's 60th anniversary? A. I will celebrate it by having dinner with my family and my dad will tell us stories about being a kid back home in Israel.- Ayelet Arbely A. I will celebrate with my school. We will sing and dance and have a lot of fun!- Hayley Aronson A. By remembering the Jews who never got to see Israel and enjoying that we have it now.- Hannah Baruch. .