On Thursday, Gill Hoffman, a journalist for the Jerusalem Post, was supposed to speak about both Jerusalem’s and the United States’ administrations at the Union. Hoffman was scheduled to end the formal celebrations of Israel Week — hosted by the Hillel Foundation; however, the event was canceled.

On Thursday, Gill Hoffman, a journalist for the Jerusalem Post, was supposed to speak about both Jerusalem’s and the United States’ administrations at the Union. Hoffman was scheduled to end the formal celebrations of Israel Week – hosted by the Hillel Foundation; however, the event was canceled.

“It was a beautiful evening and so heartwarming to see the major crowd that came out tonight with so many events going on,” said Rabbi Dovid Tiechtel, executive director of Chabad Center for Jewish Life. “Yet, it is unfortunate that due to the weather, our lecturer was not able to make it in on time.”

Some students attended the event hoping to learn more about Israeli hopes about the two administrations.

“I am fairly wary about what the Obama administration might do for Israel,” said Sam Zimbovsky, a senior in FAA. “So, it might be interesting to see what the Israeli opinion is on the political situation in America.”

Though the talk was canceled, the preceding events of Israel Week went unhindered. Throughout the week the group planned events including an event on the Quad celebrating the 61st anniversary of the creation of Israel. Hillel officials said Israel Week was planned around the anniversary.

“I wanted to do it in the same week,” said Orly Goldschmidt, Israel Programs coordinator for Hillel. “In Israel, and everywhere around the world, Israeli and Jewish people are celebrating.”

Goldshmidt said the events were not only planned to celebrate Israel but also to enhance students’ understanding of Israeli culture.

“I hope that even non-Jewish people will get to know more about our culture, our celebrations, and what we are doing for the country,” she said.

While the Israeli celebrations continued, a week-long event promoting awareness about Palestine was simultaneously being held.

“I wish we had just known about it (Israel Week) beforehand,” said Hussam Sehwail, president of Students for Justice in Palestine. “I didn’t realize that it was going to be the same week; I kind of wish it hadn’t. It is just a coincidence.”

However, Hillel members say the coinciding celebration did not affect them.

“I am happy to see that on our day of celebration that there isn’t opposition right across from us, but we know that there is going to be different events that they will have throughout the week as well,” said Dana Feldman, sophomore in LAS and a member of Hillel, about the coinciding events.