And perhaps it’s still too soon to speak of recovery.
Recovery begins where the war ends, and we are still caught in a vortex that pulls us, time and again, to opposite extremes. Reality stings, splinters, and shatters us. Our hearts are broken and our eyes are still far from dry.
And amidst all this, life asks us to infuse it with meaning; to make it worthy of the weight it carries. To observe, respond, and act, rather than standing by.
This year's festival stems from what is happening around us and within us. Its contents offer another perspective on our circumstances. At times, it takes a documentary perspective, and at other times, it is poetic and full of spirit. A point of view that allows us to open our eyes and look directly at our situation. Don't look away. Don't close your eyes.

We want to create a layered image; to spark a bit of light in the darkness, and add a touch of blue to all the red that surrounds us. To pause the flood of immediate thoughts, and make room for something else to come in.

This is our humble offer. Our request. Our intention. Our prayer.
A dream of recovery amidst the reality of war.

Our eyes (and hearts) are turned north - to spaces that have also suffered many painful, slow, creeping blows. The trauma of the North differs from that of the South. It is less pronounced, colored by fewer screams of agony and less harsh colors, and yet it is present, painful, and growing as time passes and reality has not yet returned to normal.

The Israel Festival, in collaboration with creative and production entities in the North, seeks to be part of the rehabilitation efforts. We want to offer some portion of our capacities to the affected communities, focusing on four different locations: Kiryat Shmona, Majdal Shams, Tel Hai College and Kibbutz Kfar Blum.