When art becomes a voice

As the leading artist at Eitan Center in Ra'anana, and art director of this project, I see each notebook as a bridge between hearts and minds, between the dreams of our children and the world. In every line drawn and every word written, we share humanity and a commitment to rebuild what has been lost.

In the weeks following the October 7 attacks, a dedicated educational space was established in Ra’anana for children evacuated from the southern and northern communities, including Sderot and Kiryat Shmona. The initiative was led by educator and director Tali Avivi, in collaboration with the Ra’anana Municipality and a committed group of educators who came together to create a safe and supportive environment for the children during an extremely difficult time.

I was invited to lead the art and design activities within this space. Through a series of workshops, the children created drawings, paintings, and visual stories that became both a form of emotional expression and a process of healing. These authentic artworks later formed the basis for the notebook designs.

With the generous support of the Safra family (Brazil), the children’s artworks were transformed into designed notebook sets, a living symbol of hope, resilience, and love for Israel.

The notebooks were gifted to a delegation of international journalists visiting Israel. They toured the Gaza-border communities, met with the families of hostages and wounded soldiers and recorded their experiences directly into the children’s notebooks, taking them home as testimonies to be shared globally.

This initiative empowered the children with a profound sense of pride and mission. It also enabled the production of a Hebrew edition that was sold during Family Day at the Eitan Center and beyond. The children assembled the packs, built the stand, and proudly shared the story even earning from the sales.

Above all, the children became partners in public diplomacy, telling their stories, receiving recognition, and being embraced by the Israeli spirit.

Together, we turn hope into action and art into history.

We continue to pray for the safe return home and wellbeing of our soldiers.