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Netzach Israel—The Eternity of Israel”
A new exhibition at Ben Gurion Airport takes passengers on an important journey through the history of the people of Israel.
A cache of coins from the Hasmonean rebellion, evidence of the name “Ahab”, a stone from the Western Wall weighing 5 tons and the weapons of long-gone conquerors—The Israel Antiquities Authority, the Airports Authority and the Ministry of Heritage, supported by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, set up an extraordinary exhibition along the airport exit passage, combining archaeological findings and photographs of rare moments of discovery, which tell the story of and continuity of the Jewish people over 3,000 years
TEL AVIV, February 12, 2025 – A new exhibition “Eternity of Israel” opened today (Wednesday) at Terminal 3 of Ben-Gurion Airport, providing visitors an opportunity to explore the history of Israel through archaeological findings and photos from rare moments of discovery.
The exhibition was unveiled alongside Former Israeli Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu; Israel Antiquities Authority Director Eli Escusido; and the National Airport Authority of Israel Managing Director, Udi Bar-Oz.
The exhibition takes passengers on a journey through the story of the people of Israel – one of strength, challenges, upheavals, and revival, spanning thousands of years and illustrating the power of the people's renewal.
This new exhibition, the result of the joint efforts of the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Airports Authority and the Israeli Ministry of Heritage, will be on display along the airport’s exit passage through January 2026. “Eternity of Israel” is supported by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
“Helmsley remains committed to supporting the people of Israel and strengthening the global understanding of Israel,” says Sandor Frankel, a Trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “A milestone for Israel’s cultural preservation efforts, this new exhibition from the Israel Antiquities Authority highlights the storied history of Israel and its people in a blend of archaeology and photography. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about Israeli life and the nation’s rich cultural history that spans thousands of years.”
The exhibition showcases breathtaking photographs from archaeological sites and from significant moments of discovery during excavation.
Each photograph encapsulates a uniquely inspiring moment or special site, as captured by the camera lens. In addition to these powerful photographs, original and rare archaeological findings are on display, bearing witness to different periods in the history of the Jewish People.
The exhibition enables the visitor to form impressions from items, such as agricultural tools from a Hasmonean-era farm uncovered near Mount Arbel and displayed here for the first time; a Hasmonean coin hoard found in the desert; physical evidence to the name “Ahab,” the famous king of northern Israel; an original Western Wall stone weighing 5 tons; and weapons of long-gone conquerors.
Each photo and finding features a QR code that allows passengers to access videos filmed at the excavation areas, providing the opportunity to experience the discoveries in singular moments.
In addition, the exhibition displays models of important archaeological findings in the country’s history, which visitors will be invited to touch.
According to Galit Litani, exhibition curator on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “The 'Eternity of Israel' exhibition seeks to convey the powerful vitality of the Jewish People, and how they cleave to their land. We wanted to create an experience that combines the worlds of archaeology, history and culture, and gives travelers a glimpse into our people’s history, as reflected through the findings.”
Former Minister of Heritage, MK Amichai Eliyahu, said, “It is not without cause that this exhibition is set up precisely in these days, as we face national challenges and security challenges. The exhibition reminds us all of our deep roots and the Jewish People's uncompromising commitment to their country and heritage. Exposing the visitors to the eternity of the Jewish People against the background of recent events strengthens the spirit of all peoples and conveys a message of strength and hope to future generations.”
“Ben Gurion Airport is the main entry and exit gate of the State of Israel”, says Eli Escusido, Director General of the Israel Antiquities Authority. “In these times of fake news and anti-Semitism, here the hundreds of thousands of travelers from Israel and the world will meet the Jewish People’s unique story. Through the 'Eternity of Israel' exhibition, we seek to provide an exciting connective experience that reminds everyone of the depth of the roots and the eternal connection between the people of Israel and this land.”
According to Udi Bar Oz, Ben Gurion Airport Director General, “This is a unique project in Israel. This is the first time that the passenger passage combines authentic finds alongside spectacular photos. The display is already arousing great interest. Many people are stopping to look at the rare and impressive finds on display, which are a testimony to the glorious history of the people of Israel.”
About the Israel Antiquities Authority
The Israel Antiquities Authority is a statutory corporation and the leading professional institution in the archaeology of the Land of Israel, responsible for the country's antiquities and archaeological sites—their excavation, preservation, conservation, research, presentation, publication, and the stewardship and management of the national treasures of the State of Israel.
About the Helmsley Charitable Trust:
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $4.5 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes, including $700 million for grants in Israel. For more information on Helmsley and its programs, visit helmsleytrust.org.
Photos Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority
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On Wednesday, 29 January 2025, H.E. Mr. Nikolaus Lutterotti, Ambassador of Austria to the State of Israel, in collaboration with Prof. Michal Klinghoffer, President of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and Ms. Laura Stock, Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum in Tel Aviv, hosted a commemorative International Holocaust Remembrance Day and 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz - Birkenau photographic exhibition and concert entitled "Only The Violins Remain - Alma and Arnold Rose" at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance.
The exhibition is dedicated to Alma and Arnold Rose, two icons of Austrian musical life and Viennese high society. In 1938, both Arnold and his daughter Alma's careers, like those of many others, were abruptly cut short by the "Anschluss". More than 66 000 Jewish Austrians did not survive the Shoah. Alma Rose (1906 - 1944) was one of them. As the conductor of the women's orchestra in Auschwitz - Birkenau she was able to save the lives of female Jewish musicians. Her father, Arnold Rose died in exile in London in 1946. For many years, the two musicians were forgotten in Austria. Their famous violins are still played in the major opera houses and concert halls of the world.
The evening's ceremony started with remarks by Prof. Michael Klinghoffer, President of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance stating that it was an honour to host the event which he expected to be on the 27th of January, the date commemorating Auscwitz's liberation. Three principles of music are to express feelings and emotions, to create dialogue in extreme circumstances and the healing power of music not only physically but emotionally. He concluded that we pray for peace and the safe return of hostages in captivity.
H.E. Mr. Nikolaus Lutterotti, Ambassador of Austria to the State of Israel said that this week is the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Auschwitz is the most symbolic of the Nazi killing machine where over 1 000 000 people were killed. For us, as Austrians we have to remember and acknowledge our crimes. For a long time Austria demurred from its crimes relating to the Holocaust but we have to take a stance and remain resolute against anti- Semitism and anti-Zionism. The disappearance of Jews from Austria created an enormous cultural and scientific loss to the country. Today bi - lateral relations between Austria and Israel have never been better.
After Prof. Zvi Semel, Dean of the Faculty of Performance Arts and Composition at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, said that the evening's programme will begin with songs and an aria written in Ghetto Theresienstadt. While music was performed in all ghettos and concentration camps during the Holocaust, Ghetto Theresienstadt was unique for its exclusive cultural activities - orchestras, choirs, theatres, cabarets, concerts, opera productions, recitals, theatrical performances and art exhibitions as the Nazi's designated it to be a "model ghetto" to serve its propaganda machine. Cultural and musical activity was extensive and of the highest level as leading Jewish artists from all over Europe were deported to the Ghetto. All composers whose works we are going to hear were murdered by the Nazis.
A duo, Liron Givoni, a soprano and Assaf Kedem on piano performed compositions by Theresienstadt composers Victor Ullmann and Pavel Haas
Thereafter a video recording on screen was shown. Dr. Monika Sommer, Director of the House of Austrian History said one month after the Anschluss, Arnold Rose was forced to retire as concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic and soon left Austria thereafter. His daughter, Alma Rose was the leader of the Women's Orchestra at Auschwitz Birkenau. Dr. Michaela Raggan - Blesch, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Viennaspoke about Alma Rose life in Auschwitz and how she saved many Jewish lives by accepting musicians in the orchestra.
The first movement of Quintet no.2 op. 77 by Czech composer Antonin Dvorak was performed by students of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance take Chamber Ensemble followed by another composition arranged by Prof. Menachem Wiesenberg, entitled "Shir Eretz". The students played expressively evoking feelings of melancholic nostalgia.
Diplomacy.co.il expresses its heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in having arranged a memorable evening of music in memory of all people who were victims during the Holocaust.
Photos credit Silvia Golan
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The Romanian Cultural Institute and the Jerusalem Symphony commemorated the Romanian National Culture Day with a one of a kind concert held at the Jerusalem Theater on Sunday evening, January 25. Conductor Ionut Pascu, who has made it an annual tradition to create unique collaborations with the Jerusalem Symphony, once again conducted this year’s concert, titled “Hidden Treasures”.
Director of the Romanian Cultural Institute, Martin Salamon, opened the evening by promising guests that they would be treated to Romanian cultural gems that even many in Romania don’t know, hence the name of the performance “Hidden Treasures”. Mr. Salamon recalled that last year, amidst the war, he had quoted the expression “when guns roar, muses are silent”, and noted that now with a ceasefire in place, the “guns are silent”, expressing the wish for permanent peace. Mr. Salamon reminded the audience that although it can be difficult to believe in soft power after witnessing such war atrocities, we must not give up on hope, and diplomatic solutions.
Ambassador of Romania, H.E. Radu Ioanid, spoke next, acknowledging the two hostages of Romanian heritage who were brought home in the last week, while calling for the release of the rest of the hostages, including several more with Romanian citizenship or heritage. Turning to the focus of the evening, Romanian culture, Ambassador Ioanid lamented the desecration of the Jewish community of Romania during the Holocaust, from pre-World War II numbers of over 700,000 members to only a few thousand after the war. The ambassador stressed that the loss of its Jewish community had deprived Romania of part of its own cultural richness.
Conductor Ionut Pascu then took the stage to open the concert. Before beginning the music, the conductor expressed his solidarity with his friends in Israel, and his hope that the music would serve as an elegy for the suffering of the last year, emphasized that “music can help us to go on”. Promising a mix of philosophical, mystical and lively, cheerful pieces, Conductor Pascu raised his baton and the music began.
Performing alongside the talented musicians of the Jerusalem Symphony and the conductor, were three leading singers from Romania: sopranoists Aida Pascu and Madeleine Pascu, and tenor Andrey Manea. The guests, who came from all over Israel, enjoyed the lively concert that featured pieces by top Romanian composers of the last 200 years, including Alfonso Castaldi, Mansi Barberis, Diamandi Gheciu, Theodor Dumitrescu, and Carmen Petra Basacopol.
Diplomacy.co.il offers congratulations to the Romanian embassy and the Romanian Cultural Institute in Israel on Romanian National Culture Day.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Photos credit courtesy the Romanian Cultural Institute.
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On Tuesday, January 28th, the Philippines Embassy in Israel, in cooperation with the Holon Institute of Technology, the Municipality of Holon, and the family of the late Max Weissler, hosted a special screening of the film Quezon’s Game. The event was a tribute to the historical humanitarian efforts of President Manuel Quezon in providing refuge to Jewish people fleeing the Holocaust.
The evening began with opening remarks from Professor Eduard Yakubov, President of the Holon Institute of Technology; Charge d’Affaires of the Philippines, Mr. Anthony Achilles L. Mandap; Ms. Michal Weiler-Tal, Director of the South-East Asia Department of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Michael Sutovskii of the Holon Municipality; and Mr. Danny Weissler, son of the late Max Weissler.
Professor Yakubov emphasized the institute’s commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and noted that the issue is deeply personal for him, having lost three family members to the Holocaust. He also highlighted the troubling global rise in antisemitism and reaffirmed the institute’s role in training future leaders of Israeli society since 1969.
Acting Ambassador Mandap began his remarks by reciting the Hebrew blessing for the release of hostages, expressing gratitude for the return of Israeli hostages, and hoping for the safe return of those still held captive. He also honored the four Filipino citizens who lost their lives on October 7th while protecting those in their care. Reflecting on Quezon’s Game, Mandap emphasized that the film serves as a reminder that acts of kindness and humanity can prevail even in the darkest moments of history.
Ms. Weiler-Tal highlighted the strong historical ties between Israel and the Philippines, rooted in two pivotal events: President Manuel Quezon’s Open Door policy, which saved 1,300 Jewish lives during the Holocaust, and the Philippines' crucial support for the establishment of the State of Israel in the 1947 United Nations vote. She also cited a modern-day act of bravery by Camille Jesalva, a Filipina caretaker who saved the life of 95-year-old Nitza Hefetz during the October 7th attacks.
Representing the Municipality of Holon, Mr. Sutovskii welcomed attendees and underscored the importance of educating people about President Quezon’s Open Door policy. He emphasized that events like this bring together guests from diverse backgrounds to reflect on history’s lessons and promote humanitarian values.
Danny Weissler shared the personal story of his late father, Max Weissler, who escaped the horrors of the Holocaust and found refuge in the Philippines. He described how his father was welcomed with open arms and remained deeply connected to the country for the rest of his life. The Weissler family was instrumental in erecting a monument in the Holocaust memorial park in Rishon Lezion dedicated to President Quezon’s Open Door policy.
During World War II and the Holocaust, the Philippines, under President Manuel Quezon’s leadership, took a courageous and compassionate stand by offering asylum to Jewish refugees escaping Nazi persecution.
In the 1930s, as antisemitic policies intensified in Germany and across Europe, the Philippine government welcomed Jewish refugees despite political challenges. With the support of American Governor-General Paul McNutt and other key figures, Quezon worked to facilitate their safe arrival and integration into Philippine society. The film Quezon’s Game makes this story accessible via film, and thanks to the active role of the embassy of the Philippines embassy in Israel, the film has been shown in several cities throughout Israel.
The special screening of Quezon’s Game in Holon served not only as a historical commemoration but also as a reminder of the importance of preserving the lessons of the past for future generations, and standing up for morality against all odds.
https://tel-avivpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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On Sunday evening, 26 January 2025 a photographic exhibition and reception entitled "Shalva Through the Lens of War" took place at the Waldorf Astoria in Jerusalem.
Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities is dedicated to providing transformative care for individuals with disabilities, empowering their families and promoting social inclusion. Shlava provides an all encompassing range of services for thousands of people with disabilities from infancy to adulthood. Its comprehensive life - cycle programming provide leading - edge therapies, inclusive educational frameworks, social, and recreational activities, employment training, and independent living, as well as respite and family support. Shalva gives equal access and opportunities to all participants regardless of religion, ethnic background or financial capability.
This meaningful exhibit reveals the heavy toll the recent war has had on the people of Israel at Shalva, as seen through the lens of Israel's top news photographers who capture the profound impact of war on people with disabilities, their families and the support systems they depend on.
In this series, photographer Yossi Zelliger captured the therapeutic recreational activities taking place at Shalva, including hydro - music, art and sports therapy. Given the stress of the war and its impact on everyday life, it is critical for Shalva participants to have creative and productive ways to cope.
Another photo entitled "Leave No Child Behind" by Ori Ben Kakoon captures Yoav Engel, Shalva's Sport Director. On the 7th of October his son, Ofir was kidnapped to Gaza, along with the father of Ofir's girlfriend, Yossi Sharabi. Ofir was returned home after 50 days and Yossi was killed during his captivity. During Ofir's captivity, Shalva remained an anchor for the Engel family and supported them during this horrific period.
Another moving photo entitled "A Safe Place to Grieve" by Yoav Dudevitch is about Itamar Rubio, a charming boy of 15 years with a severe cognitive disability, originally from Colombia. Itamar's oldest sister Yvvone was declared missing from the Nova Music Festival on October 7th. A week later, the family received the news that Yvvone was murdered by Hamas. As the family dealt with the horrific aftermath of such a loss, Shlava stepped in to take care of Itamar. Volunteer and staff members took him on walks and continued to provide a sense of "normalcy" when everything seemed to be falling apart. This is what Shalva has done throughout the war - helping people with disabilities and their families navigate this unbelievably complex time in Israel.
Rabbi and Rabbanit Kalman Samuels, originally from Vancouver, Canada 35 years ago started Shalva in an apartment with five children. He proudly opened the evening thanking all present, especially mentioning Mr. Avner Oun, Director General of the Waldorf Astoria for his generosity and Mrs.Tal Maron, the hotel's spokesperson. Mr. Eli Madelbaum who conceptualized this exhibition, was also acknowledged as well as all photographers who participated, "Their Lenses Have Depicted an Island of Serenity".
The Director General of the Waldorf Astoria, Mr. Avner Oun stated that when Shalva approached him about hosting the event, he immediately agreed. He mentioned that when sirens went off during the war, he often thought about what went through the minds of Shalva's children while being rushed and housed in shelters. He concluded by stating that we are praying for a safe return of all hostages after 477 days in captivity.
The main photographer who coordinated the exhibition, Mr. Yossi Zelliger who said that "Shalva Provides Hope to All" and thanked all participating photographers.
A duet was performed by Ariel Hadad (violin) and Uri Averbuach (clarinet) playing Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". Thereafter a letter from President Isaac Herzog expressing his support and admiration for Shalva was read by the Master of Ceremonies".
The Jerusalem Post's Chief Photographer, Mr. Marc Israel Sellem briefly spoke saying that he could not refuse participating in Shalva's project when he was approached.
A short video was shown about Shiva's various projects and the ceremony was concluded by Mr. Eli Mandelbaum, the Project Director who presented certificates of merit together with the Ambassador of Guatemala and North Macedonia, the Deputy Head of Missions from the Netherlands and Peru and the directors from "Bridges for Peace" to people who have tirelessly contributed towards Shalva's efforts.
A sumptuous buffet and a variety of drinks was served and conspicuously enjoyed by all guests.
Diplomacy.co.il salutes Shlava for its invaluable humanitarian work and immense acts of kindness, may Shalva grow from strength to strength!
Photos credit Silvia Golan
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