Eventually We’ll Die: Young Art in Israel in the Nineties - A Recommended Exhibition

Isragirl Presents : Women Soldiers, Work by Nir Hod ©

An exhibition titled “Eventually we’ll Die - Yong Israeli Art in the Nineties” opened recently in Herzliya Museum of contemporary art. The exhibition focuses on the idea of “Youth” that took over Israel in the nineties.

The group exhibition will reflect on events, issues and phenomena that Israel dealt with during the 90’s: The Oslo Accords, the Vision of a New Middle East, the Palestinian Uprising (Intephada), The Yitzhak Rabin murder, Identity Politics, Homosexuality, Feminism, Seinfeld, the Genome Project, Ecstasy, the First Gulf War, House, Britpop and Grange music, Demonstrations against the Globalization, Dana International etc.

Among the participating artists: Sigalit Landau and Nir Hod, two Israeli artists that in the last few years have had a successful career in New York, Adi Ness, Meir Gal, Avner Ben-Gal and Ohad Meromi.

Curator: Doron Rabina

Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat - 10am till 2pm; Tue, Thru - 4pm till 8pm; Sun - closed.

Additional Info: Herzliya Museum of contemporary art

Isragirl Presents : Untitled 1991, Work by Adi Ness ©

Nineties Art is Fine Art - Dont Let Anyone Tell You Other Wise

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Amazing News: Independence Baby Born to the Plucked Rat

My best friend, the Plucked Rat, just became a father. His first born, Dov (temporary name - the wife will not have it…) just came into the World, just now!!!

It’s Independence Eve. here in Israel, there are parties every where, you can hear music where ever you go…and Little Dov (again, temporary….) decided to dance into the world tonight of all nights and spend his first day on Earth surrounded by utter joy, music and hope.

Isragirl Presents : Flower Born, Photo by Avivitbibi.com ©

Mazal Tov, to the happy parents: The Plucked Rat and Mog (aka Baab), and to the grandparents whom I love so.  

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Anarchist Queer Anti Militaristic Protest on Independence Day

Isragirl Presents : Flowers in the Barrel, Video by TT77 ©

This old Israeli song was originally sang by one of the military bands in Israel, but three years ago it was taken by local Hip-Hop artists Subliminal and the Shadow and was remixed into a hip-hop song especially for the Israeli Independence Day. I will not translate the words; suffice to say that this song calls for peace in the Middle East and the return of soldiers home. Hence the line: Flowers in the Barrel….

Anarchist, Queer, Anti-Militaristic Event on Independence Day

This Friday, May 9, while military bands from around the world will be playing their music for peace, in honor of Israel’s 60 Independence at Rabin’s square, an anarchist/queer protest will take place not far from there on Rothschild Ave.

A black tank made of old bicycles with a pink-cock-shaped-barrel spraying water every where, will be placed in front of the house where the original declaration of the state of Israel took place. The pink dick and tank will be there to protest 41 years of Israeli occupation, Palestinian suffering and Israeli worship of militaristic leaders.

The Pink cock will spray water on the “Declaration Building” and the queer organizers state (with a smile) that it will be there to remind us that occupation is a disaster at the service of an (im)potent regime, that the national erection rules our lives and that its time to stop fighting over who has a bigger dick… Every one is welcome to join and protest the oppression of the Palestinian people. (Friday, May 9, from noon time, on Rothschild Ave.). 

Huge Pink Shaped Cock Barrel spraying Water to Protest Palestinian Oppression on Israel’s Independence Day

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GLBT Parties in Tel Aviv on Independence Day

Isragirl Presents : Pop Ring, Photo by artreview.com ©

Though Israel hasn’t been so gay friendly in its early years, in the last two decades it has become one of the most liberal countries in the world when it comes to GLBT rights. Tel Aviv in particular turned into a vibrant center of GLBT life and culture and this week some of the better and happier parties celebrating Israel 60^th Independence will be hosted by the GLBT community. I’ve picked four of them for you:

PAG Gay Party Line - will host Simian Mobile Disco. No need to say a lot, this one is going to be IT!!!

Where: Barzilai Club, 13 HaRechev St., Tel Aviv

When: Wed. May 7, From 24:30

Tickets: 80-90 NIS

POP RING Party Line - will host “Holy Wigs” - The famous Drug Queen Band with an Independence special of Israeli songs from the past and the present preformed by Israel’s leading Divas.

Where: HaTeaatron (Theater) Club, 10 Jerusalem Ave., Jaffa

When: Wed. May 7, From 24:00

Tickets: 70-80 NIS

ROOF 46 Party Line - Out door roof-top party for the girls (and their friends) on one of Tel Aviv’s most beautiful roofs…Live music by Eli Sorani and Alona Daniel, followed by (mostly) Israeli songs DJ set. Happy and Politically aware…

Where: Roof 46, 46 Rothschild St., Tel Aviv

When: Wed. May 7, From 21:00

Tickets: 50 NIS

FFF After Independence Party - The traditional FFF After party line by Shirazi - 12 hours rave hosting DJs from Israel and abroad. Mostly House music. Lots of very happy people on a wide selection of chemicals.

Where: HaOman 17 Club, 88 Abarbanel St., Tel Aviv

When: Thur. May 8, From 12 noon.

Tickets: 120-180 NIS

Drugs and Drug Queens on GLBT Independence Day Parties - Tel Aviv will be the best get away destination this week

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Singing at the Square - Live music concert in memory of IDF soldiers who died in Israeli wars along the years

Isragirl Presents : Ninet Tayeb at last year’s Singing at the square, Photo by City Mouse ©

Israel is known for its dichotomies. We would like to think of our selves as a democratic country but at the same time maintain our Jewish identity. We strive for peace but we hate to compromise…Most of us cant speak Arabic but we expect our Arab citizens to salute at the site of our flag with its star of David, not to mention the national anthem which talks about the Jewish longing for Zion…  

This is Israel and these are the Israelis: we love our country, but can’t stop criticizing it. One of the oddest dichotomies in Israel is the beloved mix of joy and mourning. Our national memorial day for IDF soldiers and casualties of Terrorist attacks, is marked in the 24 hours proceeding our Independence Day. Thus, the whole country is extremely sad for 24 hours and then we start parting for another two days…How strange is that?

On Tuesday, May 6, at 8pm a siren will be heard throughout the country - The Memorial Day for IDF soldiers who died in Israeli wars, shell begin. Another siren will be heard the next morning at 11am when ceremonies will take place in every cemetery in the country. If you are visiting Israel and you are in a public place while these sirens go off, stand still and respect this national mourning day.

On Tuesday evening (8:45pm), a special live music concert - a very sad and emotional one - will take place in Rabin’s square, at the heart of Tel Aviv. The concert is dedicated to Israeli casualties of war and their families. Many famous Israeli singers will perform much loved Israeli songs. Among the singers you will find: Hemi Rodner, Mati Caspie, Eti Ankri, Shiri Maimon, Yoni Bloch, Daniel Solomon and Maya Buskila. The concert is free and everyone is welcome to come and sing at the square.

Live Israeli Music Concert in Memory of IDF Soldiers

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Independence Day Raves – Parties for the People

Isragirl Presents : X-noiZe in Brazil, Movie by HHOOMMEEGGAA ©

This Wednesday night (May 7^th) the parties will start: Israel is celebrating 60. For those of you who are in Israel these days, I would like to recommend two raves that will take place from Wed. night till Thur. morning. 

Independence Day Rave - will host the one and only A-Trak. The rave will take place in an open parking lot in Tel Aviv. Add: 8 HaKheresh St. Tel Aviv. From 11pm, entrance will cost 70-80 NIS. For presale go to Shesek bar or the Cosa Nostra bar (if you don’t know where these are find them on Tel Aviv’s list of bars).

Independence Beach Rave (Trance) - will take place on a beach 20 minutes north of Tel Aviv. DJ line-up: Space Cat, X-NoiZe, JoMaJo, Omri Lavi. When: Wed. night from 10pm till the next morning at 8pm. Chill-out party on the beach in the morning. Tickets: 80-100 NIS on presale, 120 at the party. For Location and presale tickets: orencoma@hotmail.com or call Oren 052-2833428

On the beach: Fireworks, jugglers, pyrotechnics, Sinai style sitting area, VJ art on large screens and a deck especially for those on high heals…For the chill out: Don’t forget to bring your sun glasses and sun screen…  

Rave with Israel on it’s 60 Independence Day: Urban rave vs. Beach rave, Trance vs. House music - Party on Israel

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Israel celebrating 60 in a series of national events - A List

The state of Israel is celebrating 60 years to its establishment. Next week (Wed.-Fri, May 7-8), Israel will celebrate its independence day in a series of public parties across the country, but this is not all, throughout the year several national projects will be launched and many events, festivals, contests and the like, will take place all over Israel to mark 60 years of independence.

Here are some of the events you’ll be able to participate in if travelling to Israel this year:

• 1. The State of Israel’s birthday parties (3 huge birthday parties at Nitzanim beach, Rabin square and Achziv beach): 9.5.08
• 2. Lighting up Israel’s skies (Special display on the eve of Independence Day): 7.5.08
• 3. Israeli Police Salutes the State of Israel (A fun family event at the Police Academy at Kiryat Ata): 8.5.08
• 4. A games project in Eilat (Jewish youth from the Diasporas participate in sporting competitions at Eilat): 12.08
• 5. Basketball against violence (Events to celebrate Israeli accomplishments in the field of basketball): 29.5.08
• 6. The State of Israel salutes Olim (new immigrants) soldiers and “lonely soldiers” (The State of Israel shows its respect and appreciation to new immigrant soldiers who came to Israel on their own in order to join the IDF): 21.8.08
• 7. A salute to veterans who fought against the Nazis: 11.5.08
• 8. Bedouin Festival (Cultural and Touristic Bedouin Festival at Rahat): 8-10.5.08
• 9. Acre (Akko) Theater and Arts Festival: 10.08
• 10. The violins of hope - the 60’s concert (The 60’s concert will be held along the Jerusalem walls) 24.9.08
• 11. Safed (Tzfat) Klezmer Festival opening ceremony: 18.08.08
• 12. Eilat Jazz Festival (Cooperation between the 60’s events headquarters and the Jazz Festival in Eilat): 8.08
• 13. Israel Festival (A three day free event at the theater area and an evening saluting 60 years of Israeli cinema): 7.08
• 14. Karmiel Dancing Festival (Children dancing groups from Israel and abroad will participate in the event celebrating 60 years to Israel): 22-24.7.08
• 15. Dance Calling on Jerusalem Day (Dancing at the Wailing Wall on Jerusalem Day): 2.6.08
• 16. Six decades six Museums (Six main museums in Israel will present the artistic accomplishment in Israel during the 60 years of independence): 16.4.08 and throughout the year
• 17. Security & Defense Cooperation and Export Division (A presentation of the accomplishments of Israel’s military industry): 10.9.08-17.9.08
• 18. Co-existence Festival (A festival emphasizing co-existence in Israel): 27.8.08
• 19. 60’s wedding (The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption initiates a celebration for new immigrants - The 60’s wedding): 19.8.08
• 20. Cohenim blessing at the Western Wall (A special event in collaboration with the Western Wall Heritage Foundation): 10.08.08
• 21. Children’s films festival in Haifa (An event to mark 60 years of Israeli film making in the field of children’s films): 10.08
• 22. Military bands from 10 countries play for peace in Israel: 8.5.08
• 23. Foot path around the Sea of Galilee (The 60th Anniversary Administration and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) invite you to the Sea of Galilee)
• 24. The IDF solutes Israel (Aerobatic, naval and parachute jumping displays): 8.5.08
• 25. The 60th birthday of those born on 5 Iyar 5708 (Celebrating the birthday of those born on 5 Iyar 5708 at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem): 11.5.08
• 26. Cycling to Jerusalem (Before the festival of Sukkoth 2008, a bicycle path will be inaugurated between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem)
• 27. Independence for All - picnic spots for people with disabilities (Establishing picnic spots accessible to people with disabilities)
• 28. Beach-ball - A beach football tournament at Sironit beach in Natanya: Summer 08
• 29. 60 years of fashion - Review of Israel’s accomplishments in the field of fashion: summer 08
• 30. Israel Ethnic Festival - Street festival in Jerusalem: summer 08
• 31. Mass Bar Mitzvah (A mass Bar Mitzvah for 600 children from all over Israel in cooperation with Migdal Or Association): a date has not been set yet

 Wow, that’s a long list of events, and those are just a few that I’ve pick-out of a much longer list…To view the full list of events, and to get more info, pop into the official celebration web site (in English). See you all in Israel.

Israeli Independence Day and Celebration of 60 years to Israel’s establishment

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Nazi war criminal, Gay love, Israeli occupation, Mosad agent and Beautiful Israeli Landscape: Walk on Water Israeli Movie

Travel across Israel in the comfort of your own home: Watch an Israeli Movie. “Walk on Water”, Film by director Eitan Fox

Isragirl Presents : Walk On Water, Movie by Eitan Fox ©

For those who never been to Israel and their knowledge of Israel comes from the news only, I would like to recommend watching an Israeli movie on DVD at the comfort of your own home. This way, you get to see Israeli landscape, you learn a little about Israeli culture and you suddenly realize there is more to Israel then what you see and hear on the news…

“Walk on Water” is a great Israeli movie you can start with. It tells the story of a Mosad agent who is assigned a problematic mission: to track down and kill an old Nazi war criminal. Nobody knows where the old man is, but his granddaughter lives in Israel (She fell in love with an Israeli guy and moved to Israel) and when her brother arrives from Berlin for a visit, the Mosad agent pretends to be a private travel guide and takes him around Israel.

The Mosad agent doesn’t know that the German brother is gay. When the brother meets a Palestinian guy and has a little fling with him, the Israeli occupation issue raises and suddenly the Mosad agent finds himself defending Israeli policy - while the grandson of the Nazi is lecturing him about human rights.

The movie will take you through beautiful Israeli landscapes of the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem and even a Kibbutz Dining room. The movie continues to Berlin and returns to Israel for its final ending. Will the agent find the Nazi criminal? Will everyone succeed in putting their own family’s past behind them? Is forgiveness a possibility? Can we learn to accept the “other”?

Walk on Water is a fantastic movie featuring Israeli, German and Palestinian cast. It was created by Israel’s most famous gay couple: Director Eitan Fox and his life partner, writer Gal Ochovsky. The movie speaks English, Hebrew and German, but it has English subtitles when needed. Find it on DVD and watch it, it’s as simple as that!!!

Can a gorgeous German gay guy theach an Israeli straight guy to talk about his feelings?

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Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem

Isragirl Presents : Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum: Hall of Names, Photo by David Shankbone ©

This evening at 8pm Israel time, the National Holocaust Memorial Day will begin. If you are travelling in Israel, you shouldn’t be planning on a night out since EVERYTHING will be closed: restaurants, cafes, bars, supermarkets, cinemas, theaters, everything!!! Tomorrow morning (Thursday) at 10am a siren will be heard throughout the country and everyone will stand still for one minute commemorating the victims murdered during the Holocaust. This post is dedicated to the victims from my own family and those of my boyfriend’s family, and I would like to recommend you all a visit to Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum.

Yad VaShem Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Museum is Israel’s official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Located at the foot of Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem is a large complex containing a history museum, memorial chambers, art galleries, archives, outdoor commemorative sites (such as the Valley of the Destroyed Communities), a synagogue, and an educational centre. Non-Jews who saved Jews during the Holocaust, often at great personal risk, are honored by Yad Vashem as the “Righteous Among the Nations.”

Isragirl Presents : Yad VaShem Online Exhibition: Teleskoten 1944, Photo by Yad VaShem.org © 

The new Holocaust History Museum was built as a prism-like triangular structure. It is 180 meters long, with stark walls of reinforced concrete and an area of over 4,000 square meters. There are 10 exhibition halls, each devoted to a different chapter in the history of the Holocaust. Unlike the exhibition in the old museum, which was primarily composed of photographs, the new exhibition is a multi-media presentation that incorporates personal artifacts donated to Yad Vashem by Holocaust survivors, the families of those who perished, and Holocaust museums and memorial sites around the world.

The museum is designed so the visitor begins underground and slowly walks upwards. The exit from the main part of the museum is onto a balcony overlooking a stunning view of Jerusalem valley, and involves the visitor stepping from a dark corridor into direct sunlight. This is deliberate and intended to represent the struggle of the Jewish people during the dark days of the Holocaust, to the light of Israel, and the future of the Jews. Check out the museum opening hours and visitors Information. 

Never been to Israel? Never heard of the Yad VaShem Holocaust Musem? Take a virtual tour of Yad VaShem Holocaust Musem… And when you get to Jerusalm - go visit Yad VaShem, as it will change the way you perceive the Holocaust, even if you think you know everything there is to know about it.

*This post was written with the help of Wikipedia

Learn about the Holocaust at Yad VaShem Museum - Touring through the museum is a very emotional experiance…

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International Urban Landscape Biennale at Bat Yam

Isragirl Presents : Urban Landscape Biennale @ Bat Yam, Photo by Bat-Yam-Biennale.org ©

The City of Bat Yam (15 min south of Tel Aviv on the coast) is hosting these days its first international urban landscape biennale. Bat Yam has initiated this special event hoping to start a tradition of biennales which will take place every two years, with local and international architects, planers and artists presenting their vision for a new urban dialog between residents of the city and their open public areas.

The primary objective of the international biennale of landscape urbanism is to initiate extensive public debate regarding urban activities that influence the quality of life in the city. The biennale will deal with the urban experience and activities that have the power to transform the city into a higher quality, optimistic and vital place. Organizers promise that the exhibits placed around the city for the biennale will be left on the streets as long as the local residents will want it there.

The biennale includes 30 outdoor rooms scattered in public domain. All sites are open to the public and their aim is to introduce innovative ways for using urban open spaces. With today’s awareness of city residents to the use and importance of open public space (especially in crowded cities), the participating artists and planners are committed to integrating community projects as well as students proposals into their own designs and ideas.

In the biennale you will find fresh ideas dealing with parking issues, altogether different playgrounds, a special public domain dedicated to Ethiopian mourning ceremonies taking place outdoors, living rooms that need no walls, vegetable gardens for local tenants use and lots of new and fun outdoor solutions to urban in-house density…

For more info and a map of the biennale - enter the Biennale English web site.

If in Israel, come to Bat Yam’s International Urban Landscape Biennale. Get fresh ideas for open public space use

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