A NIGHT OF INSPIRATION & SUPPORT
ON JANUARY 31, DSN BEACH CLUB BECAME A HAVEN FOR CREATIVITY, RESILIENCE, AND SOLIDARITY AS THE COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT AND CELEBRATE THE WORKS AND STORIES OF THREE REMARKABLE ISRAELI ARTISTS AND HUMANITARIANS. THE EVENT WAS A TESTAMENT TO THE ORGANIZATION’S UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING ISRAEL AND FOSTERING CULTURAL EXCHANGE.
Among the distinguished guests were Dede Bandaid, Nitzan Mintz, and Tomer Peretz, whose artistic contributions have not only captivated audiences worldwide but also served as powerful vehicles for expressing the complexities of life amidst conflict.
Newlyweds Dede Bandaid and Nitzan Mintz, renowned for their iconic hostage posters and the innovative milk carton project, shared their inspiring journey from their service in the IDF to gracing the prestigious galleries of Art Basel. Their art, which has graced the walls of exhibitions globally, is a testament to their unwavering spirit and commitment to amplifying the voices of the hostages taken on October 7.
Tomer Peretz, whose poignant live art “#whenthemusicstopped” resonated deeply with audiences at Art Basel, took the stage to share his experiences, from being a father of three to a volunteer for Zaka, to being an artist and conducting art therapy sessions with survivors of the Nova Festival tragedy.
Moderated by DSN Executive Board Member Steven Kassin, the artists engaged in a candid dialogue, offering insights into their creative processes and the personal struggles that have shaped their work. Against the backdrop of a massive screen showcasing their artwork, the artists’ stories came to life, leaving a lasting impact on all those in attendance.
For the attendees, the evening was emotional and intimate, as the artists bared their souls and shared the profound ways in which their art has intersected with the realities of war. Community member Cindi Gindi facilitated bringing these artists to DSN. She said, “Upon meeting Tomer, Dede and Nitzan I knew they would be a perfect fit for an event at the warm and magical DSN space. The event was impactful and the audience gained insight into what motivated these talented artists to become such advocates for Israel. This night of artists and advocacy was another level!” Indeed, the event was a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and foster awareness and empathy.
The evening began with Irving Kairey’s soulful rendition of Hatikvah and Israeli songs, setting the tone for an evening of inspiration and reflection. As a strong show of support, DSN offered community members the opportunity to purchase books and prints of the artists’ work, with proceeds going to support Zaka’s humanitarian efforts.
Community members were effusive in their praise for the event, with Debbie Ades describing it as “DSN’s most inspiring night” and Pauline Assa commending the meticulous planning and execution. Jaqueline Musry echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect with the artists on a personal level.
Executive Board Member Victoria Sutton expressed her gratitude stating, “To host one of these incredible artists would be special, BH to have all three come together in one exceptional evening made it an epic and unforgettable night. We look forward to Tomer, Dede & Nitzan returning to DSN soon.”
Tomer remarked “I’ve never felt so much love” and in a heartwarming gesture, announced his plans to return over Passover to continue his work with the community, underscoring the lasting impact of the event. As DSN reaffirms its commitment to supporting the State of Israel, its people and all of the Jewish Nation worldwide, the message is clear: Am Israel Chai!
