An unprecedented number of Israeli cultural events will take place in New York City in September, Moshe Yegar, Israel’s Consul General here, announced.
Speaking with Israeli reporters, Yegar said that his government is seeking to present the “other side” of Israel to the American public, underscoring the fact that despite its security problems the arts are flourishing in Israel.
“It is important for Israel to create a new balance between day-to-day news on the situation in the Mideast and news on cultural events, and by that, creating a new image for the country in the mind of the American public,” Yegar said.
Erella Hadar, Israel’s Consul for Cultural Affairs, told the Israeli reporters that “A rainbow of Israeli cultural activities will come to New York City in September. Israel will present here its best in dance, music, photography, art, drama, film and literature.” She said that many of the shows will travel to other parts of the United States and the world.
The highlights of the Israeli cultural activities, Hadar said, will include the following: concerts by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Avery Fisher Hall at Linclon Center; a major archaeological exhibition, “Treasures of the Holy Land: Ancient Art from the Israel Museum,” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; an exhibition of modern Israeli art at the Jewish Museum, the Abraham Goodman House and scores of galleries around the city; the Inbal dance company at the Joyce Theatre; and the Cameri Theater of Tel Aviv performing at the 92nd St. Y.
In addition, Hadar said, the cultural events will extend to the following months, with an Israeli Film Festival to begin November 22. Celebrated Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai will lecture at the 92nd St. Y on Oct. 27 and Nov. 12, while renowned Israeli writer Amos Oz will lecture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on November 25.
Noting that “Israel supports a fine array of troupes, theaters, galleries, orchestras and museums that is disproportionate to its population,” Hadar said that some of Israel’s cultural institutions have gained international acclaim. But, she added, “never before has such a large concentration of events come together in a city outside of Israel.”
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