Resilience and Hope: An Evening of Art and Storytelling

This evening is designed to encourage conversations about resilience and hope through an artistic lens. The program will explore Israel’s post October 7th reality through varied art forms, helping to examine the consciousness of October 7th in a different way. Participants will be invited to experience several creative spaces to listen to the personal stories of the artists and take a closer look at how life in Israel has changed over the year. Following the sessions, appetizers and drinks will be served.

October 7th, 2023 as marked on the Jewish calendar, is commemorated two days after Sukkot, on the 27th day of Tishrei.

This event is sponsored by the מתחברים | Mit-habrim | CONNECTIONS funding initiative, a partnership between JCC Association of North America and the Israeli Government’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism. And JFNA, the Jewish Federations of North America.  Thanks to the generosity of a group of philanthropic foundations who partnered with JFNA to provide meaningful opportunities to commemorate October 7th .

This event is presented by the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia in partnership with Agudas Achim Congregation, Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation, Beth El Hebrew Congregation, Congregation Adat Reyim, Congregation Beth Emeth, Congregation Etz Hayim, Congregation Olam Tikvah, Congregation Sha’are Shalom, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Gesher Jewish Day School, Jewish Community Relations Council, Kol Ami Virginia Reconstructionist Jewish Community, Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, Temple Beth Torah, Temple B’nai Shalom, Temple Rodef Shalom, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Edlavitch JCC, and more. 

Our evening will feature:

• Shye Klein, a photographer and a survivor. Less than a year ago, Shye Klien transitioned from living in Canada to making the move to Israel as he was driven by a connection to the land and its people. Shye worked as a photographer at the Nova festival on October 7^th. During his presentation, Shye will share his personal story and unpublished videos and images taken by him and his friends throughout the festival. Today Shy is an active speaker, advocating against Antisemitism and Antizionism, and is a shining beacon of bravery. We are lucky to have him with us for this special evening.

• Wrapping Memory Gallery. Wrapping Memory is an initiative by the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem. This project aims to capture and commemorate the beauty of the region of the Gaza Envelope as it was before the tragic morning on October 7 and is dedicated to support the people who were harmed that day. In partnership with The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, we were able to bring the exhibit here. Presented by Tali Arnolf Wohlgemuth, Israeli Senior Shlicha for the Federation.

• Israeli Music of Today. Public sentiment is best explained through music. To help understand how Israelis are feeling post-October 7th, music will be our instrument for exploration. In this session, we will dive into some of the latest songs released, talk about the sentiment, and enjoy the conversation. This session will be led by Shy Ashkenazi, Former  Pozez JCC Shaliach and an Israeli educator at his very core.
• The Art of Conversation. Talking about Israel today feels like a delicate art. Daniel Flesch, the founder of The Israel Educator project, can help with that. Having served in the Israel Defense Forces, at the United Nations, and taught in the classroom of Israel advocacy, he brings a unique combination of experiences and an authentic perspective. With Daniel, we will work together on how to facilitate a conversation and feel comfortable doing so.