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- Written by Stephen Abrahams
On Monday, 2 December 2024, H.E. Mr. Manuel Etchevarren, Ambassador of Uruguay to the State of Israel hosted an exhibition of graphic art by Amijai Benderski, a prominent Uruguayan artist at the Bezalel Art Academy of Arts and Design.
About the Artist
Amijai Benderski was born in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1988. Among his works, the following are most prominent, the visual identity system of "Campeon del Siglo" FIFA stadium of the football Club Atletico Penarol and the brand for Women, Peace and Security of the United National Security Council. The Social Poster exhibition was part of the Uruguayan plan for Human Rights education. The World Peace symbol was part of the Designing Peace exhibition, showcased at the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco and at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York.
He has given talks, workshops and held exhibitions in Lodz, New York, Ottawa, Toronto, Warsaw and in six cities in Uruguay. He is also the founder of the Uruguayan Archive of Visual Communication.
Pressing for Progress
The collection of graphic posters on display is an integration of traditional art and craft with contemporary social themes. Each work was printed with movable type on handmade cotton paper. The works function as comments on subjects that are present on the Human Rights agenda, such as tolerance, gender equality and peace. The aim is to generate a transformation in perspectives in order to aspire action.
Social Poster Exhibition
The collection of posters aims to achieve a thought on the different subjects that are present in the Human Rights agenda. It is an invitation to think about subjects in a different way, through the use of image and typography applied to a poster. In addition to the exhibition, workshops were held. During these experiences participants produced their own posters. The workshop complements the exhibition, providing a hands-on experience in poster design and providing a platform in order to express ideas on Human Rights.
US
The exhibition brings together two bodies of work that explore the role of design in addressing social subjects. Through posters and letterpress prints, US invites you to reflect on peace, truth and justice. The Social Posters exhibition explores key themes in global discussions on human interaction with each poster highlighting a subject from the Human Rights agenda i.e. World Peace Symbol, The Missing Ones, Definition of Tolerance, The Missing Question, Trapped Nation, International Women's Day, Dove for Peace, A Nation of Immigrants, Frequency of Tolerance and Decarbonisation. Pressing for Progress, printed by Rodrigo Cuberas, combines traditional letterpress techniques with contemporary themes. Printed on handmade cotton paper crafted by Vicky Sigwald, these works explore the relevance of diversity.Together, these posters attempt to show how design can be used as a tool and promoter of Human Rights.
Guests were welcomed in the Academy's auditorium by Ms. Dana Gez, Head of the Communications department of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. She mentioned that graphic design has the ability to affect our way of looking at life. She also mentioned that the power of design can overcome social problems.
H.E. Mr Manuel Etchevarren, Ambassador of Uruguay to the State of Israel started his speech saying that he is honoured to be present at the event. He thanked the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design for hosting the exhibition and for the positive interaction showcasing one of Uruguay's most important young and talented artists. We understand the importance of art which serves as a bridge between peoples and cultures. Graphic design is one of the most direct art forms. It was initially cultivated by Toulouse Lautrec. The need to transmit ideas, concepts and feelings in a lucid way with less mediation and more efficiency is part of its essence and charm. The spectator is the final judge of the quality and truth of the work and its message. Amijai's works are created for diverse situations and contexts in which a feeling of hope and enthusiasm is conveyed. Last year Israel celebrated its 75th anniversary of national independence which was simultaneously marked by the 75th anniversary of friendship and support from Uruguay. Uruguay supported the creation of Israel well before its foundation in 1948.There is a possibility that Amijai's exhibition will tour Israel in 2025 however venues are still to be decided as the Embassy is open to suggestions ranging from Metula on the Lebanese border to Israel's most southern town, Eilat.
The last speaker was the artist himself who thanked everyone present with emphasis on his friends and the Embassy in actualizing this exhibition. His graphic designs were shown on a large screen starting with photographs of Uruguay and its beautiful Atlantic coastline. His greatest inspiration came at an early age from one of his Mother's paintings which was of Jerusalem. He started drawing at the tender age of six and showed us a signed drawing of his from that period. Seven billion people inhabit the earth and that is what his art focuses on. He regards the alphabet as the most relevant invention of humankind. He stated that good graphic design is visually powerful, intellectually elegant and timeless, which he quoted from Lella and Massimo Vignelli, a world famous Italian couple renowned for their iconic achievements in the world of graphic and industrial design He shared pages of his sketchbook which is his most effective source of creativity. A long presentation view of mostly Uruguayan graphic designs were shared with the audience ranging from bus tickets to posters made for Jazz festivals. Interestingly the designer that created the London Underground's logo, today a household image, was a Uruguayan designer.
Diplomacy.co.il is thankful to the Embassy of Uruguay in the State of Israel for hosting an unusually memorable,
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- Written by Silvia G. Golan & Stephen Abrahams
On Sunday, 3 November 2024, Poland's new Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Mr. Maciej Hunia opened a photographic exhibition at Beth Shalom Aleichem in Tel Aviv entitled "Guardians of Angels" which depicted the preservation and protection of Jewish cultural heritage sites in Poland.
Jews first arrived in Poland in the 10th century and in the 13th century the Statute of Kalisz was issued which established the legal status of Jews. In 1500 Jews existed in 100 localities. In 1765 the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth had a population of 750 000 Jews. In 1933 Poland's Jewish population was 3.3 million. 1992 marked the rebirth of Jewish life in Poland by the appointment of a Chief Rabbi and the establishment of the Union of Jewish Religious Communities (ZGWZ) consisting of 1594 members in 2022. Every year the Jewish Culture Festival is held in Krakow and a Jewish Film Festival in Warsaw. In Wroclaw a festival called "Simcha Festival" is celebrated annually. There are Jewish kindergartens, schools and high schools in Warsaw and Lodz. Jewish studies are offered at the Universities of Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan and Lublin. In Warsaw a Jewish Theatre, The Ester Rachel Kaminska Theatre exists performing plays in Yiddish.
The ceremony started with a heart wrenching song in Yiddish by Olga Avigail, "Ofyn Weg Shteyf e Boym" who also played the accordian while singing.
H.E. Mr. Marciej Hunia, ambassador of Poland to Israel briefly spoke, saying that Jewsih culture in Poland is closely connected to Polish Culture and that the Jewish contribution to Poland's public life, science, culture, art and the economy was enormous. During World War 11 the Germans attempted to annihilate not only Jews and Jewish culture but all structures reminiscent of Jewish identity namely over 400 synagogues and almost all Jewish institutions.He concluded his talk by stating that during the difficulty Israel is experiencing "be sure that Poland understands Israel's situation and emphatically supports it".
Since World War 11 over 1200 Jewish cemeteries in Poland have grossly been neglected and in 2002 the "The Foundation of Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland" - (FODZ) was established by the Poland's government.
"Young Guardians of Jewish Cemeteries", a voluntary organization of high school students as well as initiatives of families and local communities undertake the responsibility by dedicating themselves to the meticulous care of Jewish cemeteries in which there are over 10 000 volunteers in various associations related to the cause. Different Organizations are actively engaged in restoring the memory of local Jewish communities in Poland by collecting and publishing the names of individuals who were murdered in the Holocaust.
opening hours of the exhibition:
Sunday:11-18
Monday: 9:30-17:30
Tuesday: 9:30-18:00
Wednesday: 9:30-18:30
Detailed hours in Hebrew you might find here: https://bethshalomaleichem.co.il/%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%a1%d7%99%d7%9d-%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%a1%d7%9f/
The exhitibition will be there till 20.11
Ten Years ago, Rabbi Shapira who founded the Jewish Cemeteries Association whose aim is the preservation of Jewish cemeteries in Central and Eastern Europe was not present, his speech was read by the Embassy's "Master of Ceremony".
A short video was shown featuring young Polish volunteers involved in restoration projects of cemeteries and a few said that it was "their moral responsibility to do so". Another volunteer mentioned the fact that despite the constant work involved in the cemeteries he never gives up as opposed to the demands and challenges he faces.
Present at the event despite having to face two previous flights from Warsaw to Tel Aviv which were cancelled, was Mr. Pawel Kulig who represented the association "Guardians of Remembrance". His speech was translated into Hebrew and he mentioned that "the work is for you and not for us". He nostalgically quoted a song by Airk Einstein entitled, "Ani v' Ata" implying that "together we can change the world".
The event was concluded by Olga Avigayil's "Sholem Lid" or "Peace Song" which started in Yiddish and ended in Hebrew. Reference was made on behalf of the Polish Embassy acknowledging the Polish Cultural Association in Israel efforts.
Notable guests present were H.E. Mr. Gershon Zohar, Israel's ambassador to Poland from 1993 - 1997, Dr. Laurence Weinbaum who is Director General of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations and Chief Editor of Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Andre Gasiorwski, President and CEO of Global Forum which is an umbrella organization of 250 associations and lastly Brother Seweryn Lubecki, originally from Pszczyna, Poland who has been living in Israel for 36 years, he is a Fransiscian friar at a monastery in Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist.
A special mention of thanks to Mrs. Magdalena Kukula and Mr. Lukas Levy of the Embassy of Poland in Tel Aviv who graciously provided Diplomacy,co.il with invaluable information regarding Jewish life in Poland and about the exhibition.
בית שלום עליכם | Beth Shalom Aleichem
Address : 2 Berkowitz Street, Tel Aviv, Israel
Beit Shalom Aleichem is located in the cultural center of Tel Aviv - near Beit Ariela, the opera house and the theater
The Chamber - which itself serves as a center for Yiddish culture in Tel Aviv and Israel. There is an intensive activity at home that includes:
Annual courses for teaching Yiddish - beginner, advanced and affordable classes - who participate in them
Over 300 students every year; Courses on Eastern European Jewry:
history, culture, literature; Music and theater performances.
The Chamber - which itself serves as a center for Yiddish culture in Tel Aviv and Israel. There is an intensive activity at home that includes:
Annual courses for teaching Yiddish - beginner, advanced and affordable classes - who participate in them
Over 300 students every year; Courses on Eastern European Jewry:
history, culture, literature; Music and theater performances.
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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Celebrate Sukkot and Family with NLI Treasures in New Downloadable Exhibition
The National Library of Israel invites you to decorate your Sukkah with a gorgeous new exhibition celebrating "Family" — the complexities and sub-themes the theme encompasses, and all illustrated with items from Library collections.
The downloadable PDF can be printed as rollups or desktop posters, contains links to a companion website with additional content, and is available for free use.
The exhibition was produced by the Library’s Gesher Le Europa program, in partnership with the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ). For seven years running, AEPJ has marked European Days of Jewish Culture with content featuring items from NLI collections – all seven series are available on the Library website.
Rare Jewish Treasures Featured in Holiday Video Series
Join National Library of Israel for a journey through the Hebrew calendar. The video series "A Look at the Jewish Year" provides insights into the Jewish calendar and holidays through the lens of the Library's renowned collection of Jewish manuscripts, books, printed materials and more.
Exceedingly rare items showcased in the videos include a nearly thousand-year-old Jewish calendar found in the famed Cairo Geniza; the 13th century Worms Mahzor, which includes the first written example of Yiddish and survived the Holocaust; and an 18th century manuscript known as Sefer Evronot featuring an array of stunning illustrations. More modern items, such as an early 20th century poster of a traditional Sukkot holiday meal, and Simchat Torah flags are also presented. The project also includes source sheets with questions and links to additional materials.
The series was produced by the National Library of Israel in collaboration with the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies.
Sukkot Treasures Online For All to Enjoy
NLI website contains a rich selection of information, images, songs, lesson plans, and resource packs that are perfect for keeping children of all ages busy during the Sukkot holiday. Check out the Sukkot at the National Library of Israel page and Sukkot educational resources in English that use NLI primary sources to teach about how the holiday has been celebrated throughout history.
A Virtual Visit to “A Treasury of Words”
The Library's permanent exhibition invites visitors to embark on a journey through the cultural artifacts that are the heritage treasures of the Jewish People and the State of Israel. There is nothing like seeing these in-person but a new online exhibit provides a sampling of the experience. The virtual version of A Treasury of Words highlights the power of text, its ability to change the world, formulate ideas, push them forward, define a place, community, and nation, and express the spirit and talent of its thinkers, writers, and poets.
The stories behind these items and more can also be found in the magnificent coffee-table book, 101 Treasures From the National Library of Israel, now also available in a Hebrew edition. Both are on sale at the Library book shop and online store.
About the National Library of Israel
Founded in Jerusalem in 1892, the National Library of Israel (NLI) serves as the dynamic institution of communal memory for the Jewish people worldwide, and Israelis of all backgrounds and faiths. NLI holds the world's largest collections of textual Judaica, Jewish and Israeli music, maps of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, as well as world-class collections of Jewish and Islamic manuscripts, rare books, photographs, community and personal archives, and more. Along with being Israel's preeminent research library, NLI is also dedicated to encouraging audiences in Israel, and around the globe, to engage with its treasures through a range of innovative educational, cultural, and digital initiatives, as well as through its new landmark building, all of which reflect NLI's central values of democratizing knowledge by opening its collections, and resources to as broad and diverse an audience as possible.
For more information: www.nli.org.il/en
www.facebook.com/NationalLibraryofIsrael
www.youtube.com/user/NLI2010/featured
www.tiktok.com/@library_of_israel
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Reena and Vinod Pushkarna and their son, Kunal are doyon's of Indian food in Israel, having started their restaurant chain, Tandoori, 40 years ago. They were the first to introduce Indian food in Israel. Since the early 80's , a generation of Israelis "grew up on her" Chicken Tikka and for that reason she decided to emphasize "kids menus". In 2023 the government of the Republic of India awarded her an order of merit for services rendered. Today their chain has two restaurants, one located in Herbert Samuel, Tel Aviv with a mesmerizing seaview of the Mediterranean and the other located in Herzliya's industrial zone Mercazim building, an ideal venue for business lunches.
On Thursday, 31 October three of us experienced an unforgettable gastronomy enjoying lunch in their plush restaurant in Tel Aviv served by three professional waiters with extraordinary service skills, rarely encountered in Israel.
The service staff were exceptional in their gracious manner displaying patience, professionalism and an innate knowledge of the menu recommending dishes.
Tandoori the name of the restaurant, is a traditional Indian clay oven reaching a temperature of 600c and a hallmark of Punjabi cuisine where chicken, meat and fish are baked.
Our meal started with an assortment of four entrees which included Chicken Tamarind wings, Fish Taco Papad (small fish fillets of locus), Fish Pakado (fillets cooked and fried with chickpea flour batter) and Bhel Puri (fluffy rice flakes). It was accompanied by a selection of relishes presented in small bowls consisting of cilantro, mango ajar, coconut flakes, tamarind and fruit chutney.
The second course consisted of a selection of dumplings or dim dim, namely chicken, beef, vegetable and tofu.
This was followed by a selection of vegetables (broccoli and potato), Panner (Indian cottage cheese), grilled locus, fish pakora and lamb samosas.
Main courses were Seekh Kebab (grilled lamb in the clay oven), Tandoori Chicken (grilled in the clay oven) and Chicken Tikka (grilled cubes of chicken).
Exotic desserts offered on the menu are gulab jamun (homemade cheese dumplings, cardamon and aromatic syrup), Elaichi kheer (rice pudding cooked with milk, rosewater cardamom, saffron and pistachio), the all time Indian classic vegan sweet carrot halwa (grated carrots cooked with cardamom and aromatic spices served with a non dairy vanilla ice cream). Another exotic dessert featured is Zafrani kulfi which is made from pistachio ice cream, spices, falooda noodles and saffron.
From the large choice of deserts we decided to have the Gulab jamun (described in the the above paragraph) and the Western classic, Pavlova Mango (cream, meringue, almond, and ginger served with raspberry and mango coulis), this was conceptualized in Australia and New Zealand in the early 20th century named after the famed Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova when she toured these countries.
Drinks included Mango Lassi (a cool summer drink of liquidized mangoes, yogurt, milk, cream and ground cardamom) and Nimbu Pani (fresh lemon juice and water).
Unobtrusive Indian music was played amidst a cosmopolitan atmosphere patronized by guests from abroad staying in the surrounding luxury hotels as well as people working in Tel Aviv. The restaurant seats 160 guests and includes a circular bar providing additional seating where there is a drinks menu available of Indian cocktails with " Lunch Bowl Deals" that can be ordered, however only during the day.
.The sea view is unparalleled and contributes to the restaurant's elegant interior and aesthetics. Tandoori offers takeaways and is an excellent venue for family celebrations, business functions, romantic encounters and personal outings.
In Israel, Indian cuisine has become popular and in many localities almost a household necessity thus Tandoori offers "special lunch box" specials as well as "Thali specials" on Wolt and 10bis. For lunch Tandoori offers a set menu priced at 78 shekels, ideal for working people as it is light and filling. Starters include bowls served with a dish of choice consisting of either rice or quinoa followed by a main course of a choice of Beef Korma or Chicken Tikka Masala prepared in a clay oven.The set menu also includes "soup of the day", naan bread and dessert. For an additional price of 10 shekels a soft drink, draft beer or a glass of wine is available.
We are most thankful to Reena Pushkarna and her dedicated staff for a memorable gastronomic experience and promise to return, hopefully in the not too distant future.
TANDOORI - A REAL TASTE OF INDIA
Tandoori Events
Tandoori Delivery
Tandoori Events
Tandoori Delivery
TANDOORI Lands End adress : 76 Herbert Samuel, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Tel Aviv : Tel 03-6296185
Tandoori Herzliya: 32 Maskit St., Herzliya Tel 09-9546702
www.tandoori.co.il
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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Group Exhibition at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai Carpentry Workshop presents : "The Sun Did Not Stand Still"
Creating Hope And Renewal Through Art October 8 - October 26, 2024
Artists: Nir Adoni, Daniel Oxenberg, Shai Azulai, Brit Einstein, Eyal Assoulin, Roi Binsky, Zadok Ben David, Orna Ben Ami, Sophie Barzon Makai, Tamar Branitzki, Uri Gersht, Liya Dayagi, Daphna Dishi, Reut Dafna, Einav Halpern Sanker, Doron Wolf, Ofra Wolf, Ariela Wertheimer, Natalia Zourabova, Gabi Salzman, Moshe Tarka, Nurit Livne, Yona Levi Grossman, Zohar Morag, Ido Markus, Ruth Nevo, Shira Sagol, Yana Stup, Dana Sitton, Sarita Peled, Michel Platnick, Lala Kalush, Tamar Karavan, Gidi Rubin, Lior Reisel, Khen Shish, Ronen Shahrabani, Eran Shakin
Curators: Lilach Shmoul and Shlomit Oren DUART
On October 8, 2024, a year and a day after the October 7th disaster, a unique exhibition was opened at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai. For the first time, artists from the Gaza Envelope host artists from central Israel in a joint display of solidarity, representing the Israeli spirit through art. The works in the exhibition serve as a testament to hope, faith, and the ability to grow through creativity. Many of the participating artists were personally affected by the war, and their works reflect both the difficulty and pain of their experiences, as well as hope for a better future. The exhibition will be held in the Yad Mordechai carpentry workshop, a 70-year-old facility that has long served the kibbutz and its members.
On October 8, a group exhibition was open at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai marking revival and continuity. The exhibition will present inter-regional cooperation that expresses the fascinating diversity of the emerging art field in Israel. The works displayed in it represent hope and the belief in the ability to continue growing in difficult times, even when time seems to stop and the pain and fracture seem unbearable.
The exhibition offers visitors a look at the creative forces at work in our regions. The works touch on the effects of time, memory and renewal. The artists participating in the exhibition, many of whom were personally injured in the war, express and reveal the pain and difficulty that accompany them in coping with the challenges of the past and present. Their works represent the preservation of historical memory and at the same time the movement and continuity, which are both the source of relief and those that enable the processing of trauma and growth from it.
The exhibition's title, 'The Sun Did Not Stand Still,' is taken from Margaret Larkin's award-winning book. It tells the story of Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, named after Mordechai Anielewicz, leader of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, and recounts the sacrifice of kibbutz members who lost their lives in one of the fiercest battles during Israel's War of Independence. The book is etched in collective memory as part of the kibbutz ethos, with the sun symbolizing constant movement and continuity.
The exhibition is an initiative of Limor Livne, a Kibbutz Yad Mordechai resident. The opening night taked place on October 8, 2024, with the participation of the artists and public figures, including Benny Gantz, Chairman of the State Camp alliance, former Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff, and current Yad Mordechai resident, who assisted in establishing the exhibition, MK Alon Schuster State Camp 🇮🇱 Former Deputy Minister of Defense, Minister of Agriculture, Rev. Shaar HaNegev Regional Council, Hezi Bezalel ( businessman and honorary consul of Rwanda), Chemi Peres, Chairman of Peres Center for peace and Innovation , Gidi Mark CEO of Taglit Birthright Israel and many more.
The exhibition will be displayed in the carpentry shop of Kibbutz Yad Mordechai and will be open free of charge to the general public during the holiday period, 26.10.24-8.10.24. Opening hours: 10:00 - 19:00, Fridays 10:00-14:00
As part of the exhibition, there will be tours, cultural events and artists' dialogue meetings
Full information at the link here https://sunneverstands.co.il/
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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