LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - September 24, 2008) -

WHAT:   The Blue and White Star of David will wave on Wilshire Boulevard
        as the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles becomes the first
        Israeli Consulate office in North America to fly the flag of Israel
        outside its front door.

        -- Thousands of Southlanders are expected to witness this historic
           event organized by the Consulate General of Israel in Los
           Angeles to commemorate Israel's 60th anniversary.
        -- This commemoration particularly strikes a So-Cal chord given
           that Los Angeles is home to the world's largest Israeli
           community, outside of Israel itself.
        -- Featured speakers include Consul General of Israel Jacob Dayan
           and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa who was personally
           presented the Israeli flag by Israel's President Shimon Peres
           earlier this year.  Media Note -- DVD footage of President Peres
           presenting the flag to Mayor Villaraigosa will be available at
           the event.
        -- U.S. Marines will first raise the American flag.
        -- Members of the California National Guard will then raise
           California's flag.
        -- History will follow when Israel Defense Forces soldiers raise
           the flag of Israel.
        -- This triumvirate of flags symbolizes the strong, mutually
           supportive bond that's been built between Israel and the United
           States as a whole, as well as between Israel and California
           specifically.
        -- This emotionally impactful event purposefully precedes Rosh
           Hashanah  -- the Jewish New Year.  Just as Rosh Hashanah marks
           a new beginning on   the Jewish calendar, the waving of the Blue
           and White on Wilshire Boulevard similarly marks a first.
        -- Grammy-winner Macy Gray, accompanied by a gospel choir, will
           sing America's national anthem.
        -- Acclaimed Israeli-born actress and singer Noa Tishby will sing
           Israel's national anthem.
        -- A host of dignitaries will be attending this special event,
           including Congressman Brad Sherman, State Assembly Speaker Karen
           Bass, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, L.A. Council Members Jack
           Weiss, and the Consul Generals of Mexico, the Czech Republic,
           the Phillipines, Kenya, Greece, Armenia, Croatia, El Salvador,
           South Africa, and France.  Additionally Sony Co-Chairman Amy
           Pascal will attend, along with the heads of area churches and
           synagogues.
        -- As part of this historic flag-raising event, and as a further
           reflection of the special relationship that exists between the
           golden state and the land of milk and honey, children from area
           synagogues will bring Rosh Hashanah cards that will be sent to
           youngsters in Israel.
        -- Additional activities will also include a blood drive to benefit
           patients at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles done in collaboration
           with Bikur Cholim, a non-profit organization that organizes the
           second largest number of blood drives throughout Greater Los
           Angeles.

WHEN:      Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008
           1p.m.

WHERE:     Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles
           6380 Wilshire Blvd.
           Los Angeles, CA 90048
           www.israeliconsulatela.org

CONTACT:   Michelle Vazzano
           (818) 501-8383

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