Sundays are big days in Foxboro and last Sunday, May 20, was no exception. But as nearly 10,000 people from throughout New England came to celebrate Israel in the Dana-Farber Field House at Gillette Stadium, the flavor was decidedly unique.

Beer and sausages were replaced by delicious Israeli wines, “the best American falafel” and fabulous kosher burgers and hot dogs. A men and women’s flag football team flew in from Israel for the special occasion. Choir groups from local day schools wowed a crowd of thousands with their melodies and later, they turned the stage over to award-winning international musicians, Ziv Eitan, Smadar Levi and the world-renowned group, ESTA.

New England Celebrates Israel was sponsored by Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Gillette Stadium and the Greater Boston Jewish community.

“The event showcased our fantastic Jewish community of New England,” says Lisa Wallack, Co-chair of NECI with Jon Levitt. “Seeing the field house filled with thousands of children, adults and seniors, all there to celebrate Israel, was miraculous.

Children enjoyed camel rides, digging for archaeological artifacts and shopping in a mock Israeli supermarket, among other activities. Adults tasted Israeli wine, discovered the latest technology in Israel, learned about dozens of community organizations and shopped for Israeli merchandise.

“Today we celebrate Israel and applaud its success in creating a wonderful climate of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in the face of immense challenges,” says Barry Shrage, CJP President. “This has been a great day for the New England Jewish community and for the State of Israel.”