Immigrants Exhibit Their Art Work In Jerusalem

An exhibition of works of art by new immigrants is currently being shown at the Jerusalem Theater in the capital. The exhibition was organized jointly by the Council of Immigrants Associations in Israel , the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Absorption and Immigration.

Thirty artists who immigrated to Israel from all over the world, and live in different areas in Israel were selected to exhibit their works at this prestigious center of culture in Jerusalem.

Mario Lev president of the immigrants' council said the objective of the event is to facilitate the  immigrants entry into the local art scene, since sometimes they encounter difficulties in gaining access to the country's galleries. Lev said the process also allows the veteran immigrants to assist the new immigrants.

According to official figures in the last decade approximately 7300 artists immigrated to Israel, of which 1500 live in the Jerusalem region. Among those exhibiting their work are painters and sculptors from the former Soviet Union, England, France, the United States , Ethiopia, and Latin America.

Roberto Hoffman one of the curators of the exhibition and an artist himself described the event as a celebration of culture in Jerusalem and Israel. Eli Cohen director of the Jewish Agency's aliyah department said he was moved to see they way in which the immigrants expressed their dreams and experiences in such a creative way and while at the same time contributing to art in Israel.

Artists Ricardo Lapin and Hoffman who immigrated from Argentina were the initiators who succeeded in setting up the exhibition. Esther Blum responsible for the Council's projects also had an important role in organizing the exhibition.

Both participants and members of the public expressed satisfaction over  the high standard of works exhibited at the show.09/14/08