Israeli Street Artist’s Unique Canvas Transforms Bomb Shelters into Dazzling Oasis
New York, NY: January 7, 2021 — It’s not uncommon to see children and families posing for photos in front of the bright, colorful murals in Wynwood, Miami...but how about in the Gaza Envelope? Responding to acts of terror, Israeli artist, Elisaf Miara made it his mission to beautify the structures that constantly remind Israeli’s in the Gaza region of the dangers lurking just around the corner; creating a calming oasis for families when they need to escape.
“Imagine putting your young children to bed or helping them get ready for school in the morning, and suddenly, without notice, your family is jolted by the sound of a wailing siren and you have just a few seconds to run to the nearest bomb shelter before being surrounded by a barrage of rockets,” said Fred Toczek, a member of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Arts and Entertainment task force. “Hearing loud explosions while running for your life would be a terrifying experience for anyone, but it’s especially traumatic for children. Made possible by JNF-USA, these stunning masterpieces help young kids cope while living in fear and demonstrate how Israeli’s will always find a positive light — even in the darkest of times,” added Susan Farber, a JNF-USA Gaza Envelope task force member.
Trek through the Israel-Gaza border on Feb 4., and join JNF-USA for a one-of-a-kind guided virtual tour of these bomb shelters-turned-works of art. Meet Yedidya Harush, a decorated soldier who is helping protect and keep Israel’s Gaza border communities safe and secure, while he discusses how this ongoing project is healing a community that is especially vulnerable to attacks. You’ll also hear from the artist who is beautifying one of Israel’s most battered regions, one paint stroke at a time.
Click here to learn how you can make a difference in this region from thousands of miles away. Dedicate a bomb shelter masterpiece in honor of, or in memoriam of, a family member or life event. Donations toward Bomb Shelter Beautification will be matched, up to $50,000 thanks to the generosity and leadership of Fred & Susie Toczek, Sara Cannon/Cannon Family Foundation and others, through February 2021.
High resolution images are available upon request.
Event Information
What: Virtual Art Tour - Beautify a Bomb Shelter
When: Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 9:00 pm ET/6:00 pm PT
Where: Link provided upon registration. Register here
Cost: Free
Visit www.jnf.org/ondemand for a full list of our upcoming virtual events.
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Media Inquiries:
Jennifer Milton, Jewish National Fund-USA National Communications Manager
561.447.9733 x 875
About Jewish National Fund-USA
JNF-USA is the leading philanthropic organization for Israel that supports critical environmental and nation building activities in Israel’s north and south. Through its One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade, JNF-USA is developing new communities in the Galilee and Negev, connecting the next generation to Israel, and creating infrastructure and programs that support ecology, individuals with special needs, and heritage site preservation.