Artists 4 Israel Blog

Our Website Has Been Hacked

2011-12-31T11:16:00.001-08:00

Dear All,

Our website has been hacked.

We apologize for this inconvenience but are proud that someone finds us so effective as to try and stop us.

Unfortunately, it is this sort of destructive behavior that is too common amongst the enemies of Israel.

An Open Letter to the Angry Arab

2011-12-31T11:07:00.000-08:00

Based on: http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2011/12/artists-for-israeli-war-crimes.html

Dear Angry Arab,

On December 30, 2011, you re-posted two articles regarding Artists 4 Israel. While both articles were critical of a one of our programs, they were respectful in tone and appreciative of our many other initiatives.

Your re-posting was without any critical, rational or intelligent consideration. In fact, other than re-print the letter and links sent to you, your only additions were the following: 1: You misspelled our name and 2: you accused us of “war crimes.”

Angry Arab, using the term “war crimes” so blithely is a gross insult to the many actual victims of such crimes. While it is also a great insult to us and a nearly insurmountable barrier to dialogue and peace, that pales in comparison to the disgusting and immoral misuse of the term in regards to those who have suffered or, even, perished due to actual crimes. By muddying the definition, you make the opportunity for such crimes to continue into the future far too probable as people become desensitized to its usage. “War crimes” is not a tool of rhetoric.

Of course, yours is a site that also disparages Mother Theresa and exploits the suffering of Arab children to increase your hit count so it is clear that sensitivity is not your modus operandi. Your post was shameful and embarrassing.

Sincerely,
Craig Dershowitz
President
Artists 4 Israel

An Open Letter to RJ Rushmore

2011-12-31T11:00:00.000-08:00

Based on: http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2011/12/artists-for-israeli-war-crimes.html

Dear RJ,

A man’s friends say a lot about the man.

The Angry Arab blog (the actual name of his blog) re-posted a letter you sent to him asking him to help “spread the word” about Artists 4 Israel. While I do appreciate your work on behalf of our PR and marketing, I think you should choose more moral and credible allies.

The Angry Arab did nothing more than re-post your e-mail with two minor additions. 1: He misspelled our name in the subject line and 2: he accused us of “war crimes.” As one whose family suffered from the Holocaust and as a sensitive being who feels compassion for the victims of war crimes throughout the world, I find this flippant usage of that term abhorrent. Besides my personal and professional outrage, such usage portends terrible consequences as it has the potential to desensitize people to the actual horror of such a term. I think you would be quite saddened if “war crimes” became a rhetorical tool or every-day insult.

RJ, although I have, obviously, disagreed with your opinion of Artists 4 Israel and found you to be somewhat confused in your own thoughts, I have respected the rather civil and professional way in which you have expressed yourself. This is a step too far and I hope you will disavow your relationship with the blog that treads on the memories of the poor victims of actual war crimes.

Sincerely,
Craig Dershowitz
President
Artists 4 Israel

2nd Letter to RJ Rushmore

2011-12-30T11:51:00.001-08:00

Based on: http://blog.vandalog.com/2011/12/artists-4-israel-part-two/

RJ,

I am vey disappointed that after more than a month, with unlimited resources and an entire academic community of research available to you, the best you can come up with is a rambling diatribe that does little more than accuse me of racism and say the equivalent of “Artists 4 Israel is right, but…”

There is so much moral equivocating and misleading information in your article that I have to expose to the light of truth but I am tired and busy. I know, a terrible excuse, but true. You had more than a month. You had my answers. You had an opportunity to research and all you come up with is a twisted misinterpretation of facts and mishandling of your responsibilities as a reporter and as a thinker. I will, of course, respond to your lies and accusations and offer you a much more realistic method for truly addressing the conflict in our thinking and understandings.

I am busy because I am traveling to Israel tomorrow to receive an award for Artists 4 Israel’s work in painting the bomb shelters in Sderot. Are you familiar with Sderot? It is a tiny city that sits on the border of the Gaza Strip. Daily, it is bombarded by rockets by Hamas and the people you refer to as Palestinians. I know you accuse me of oversimplification. But, sometimes, simplicity is the very definition of truth. Trying to camoflauge b.s. with 5,000 word verbal vomit that trips over itself is the very definition of lies and having something to hide. The Devil is in the details. Truth is in simplicity. Love is good. Chocolate is tasty. Terrorists trying to murder children is bad.

Let me oversimplify for you again since that seems to bother you so much. Shooting rockets at innocent people - bad.

More simplification: Children should not die because of terrorism.
Is this too simplistic for you?

Try this, then: “Palestinian” television, movies, books, educational system and popular culture celebrate murderers and terrorists. Their children are raised in a war-like culture. Please visit PalestinianMediaWatch.org or CAMERA.org and, before you claim they are also Pro-Israel and cannot be taken seriously, I don’t want you to read any of their writing. Simply, click on any number of links that show “Palestinian” media and tell me if any of those things, pulled directly from the horse’s mouth, are not violent, misogynistic, disgusting and at odds with the ideallyc picture you attempt to paint.

Israel provides awards for those who attempt to use art to create and for those who attempt to soothe the suffering of children. The popularly elected leadership of Gaza choose to name soccer stadiums after killers of children. I can end this document here. Nothing more needs to be said. It is simplistic, indeed, but completely accurate. Seriously, I have to pack.
Unfortunately, though, it seems I must also defend myself against your ad hominem attacks and continued befuddling, muddying and complex system of innuendo and lies.

Throughout the article, you say how I hide behind an accusation of racism against those who disagree with me. What you fail to do is explain how the answers where I discuss racism were based on questions you posed to me about racism. It is a cheap trick at best, gross negligence to your duties as a reporter and downright slander at worse to ask a question, get a specific response to that question and then pull the question so as to make the answer, appearing out of context, seem different than it is.
Yet, even with your attempts at libel, I stand proud and happy with my answers. So must you as you more than once call my points “factual accurate,” and “legitamite.”
What is not factually accurate is repeating a comment that some student maybe, might have potentially heard someone say. The student thinks she remembers Seth saying something about Temple students being “stupid?” This is the most embarrassing piece of writing imaginable.

Oh wait, no it is not. Because soon after this heresay of which the accuser herself isn’t even sure, you trot out some near-Professor to respond to arguments that were never even raised. I take great offense to this almost-Professor’s criticisms. He pretends to know my entire belief system based on a narrow window of answers I have given. Yet, again, like you, even with all the antipathy he holds for me and DTF, he still admits we are right! Amazing. Then, in the most twisted display of pseudo-logic available, he actually makes up an argument for me and debates it! Apparently, my answers to your questions were so valid, so truthful, so airtight, that the only way this Mendelsohn can find fault in it is by making his own arguments. “Dershowitz didn’t go for…” Right, I didn’t say it. So, then, why defend against it?
Ok…last thing. The specific points raised in the flyer.
Demand the Facts: As always, you agree with me. (“Yes, people could be better educated about their history…”) Thanks, again. Of course, there are negative and positives on both sides. Study the history. Do the research. 100 times out of 100, you will find Israel to be just, moral and politically, historically and culturally correct.
Defeat the Fanaticism: More agreement from you, RJ. (“True, extreminism threatens rational discourse.”) Why are we arguing? You keep agreeing with everything I say. You think Hamas, the dictatorial regime known for murdering Israeli children as well as their own politicall opponents are “probably” not the best group for fostering peace. Yet, Hamas is the recognized, popularly elected government of Gaza, the chosen representatives and leaders of the “Palestinian” people. The few Israeli settlers who may have done some things wrong are not the Israeli people. In fact, Israel has an entire system of law by which to punish anyone who transgresses against the life and liberty of others. If you have ever been mugged in New York, do you indict the entire city or the entire country?
You then get on this kick about Israel “blowing shit up.” If, by that, you mean fighting defensive wars in which they target the very rockets that have for more than two years been launched against civilian towns, then, yeah, we do that. Israel also drops leaflets, even in times of war, before any bombing raids giving citizens who live near rocket launchers 24 hours to clear the area. This is a dangerous and stupid idea in the time of hostilities yet Israel does so to fight the most moral war possible.
Down to Fuck: Third fact and third agreement from you, RJ. (“Israel is a land with more sexual liberation than Palestine (sic).” You recognize this is a good thing, right? Your only response is to point out a few isolated incidents where there have been regrettable hate crimes against homosexuals. Similar hate crimes occur in the U.S. but, in Israel like in the U.S. these crimes are punished. That is not the same as in “Palestine” and, in fact, a large homosexual Arab population has moved to Israel, hiding from the oppressive and dangerous Arab countries into which they were born.
Diversity Triumphs Over Fear: Final set of facts and final agreement from you, RJ. (“Legally, one could argue that the first part of this is true.”) Jeez, man, you accuse me of verbal manipulation and games but say sentences like the above. Is it true or not? Do Israelis – whether Arab or Jew – have more freedoms in Israel than in “Palestine?” Or, for that matter, anywhere in the Arab world? Yes or no, RJ? Your only point is to point out one poll that says some Arabs are discriminated against. Well, duh. Throughout the world, people are discriminated against for various things – race, creed, religion, weight, intelligence, gender – but only in places that I will support is this discrimination against the law and punishable when proven.
The question of whether Israeli Jews are discriminated against in “Palestine” is curious. You see, Israeli Jews are not allowed into “Palestine.” I am going to go ahead and call that really bad discrimination, if you don’t mind.
Oh, I will also take great pride in you acknowledging that “the DTF tour…brought students together.” Unlike you, who sits on the sidelines yelling at imaginary wrongs and injustices, we try to make things better. It is similar to having a blog where you promote graffiti, providing information for the cops to use to track and arrest the very artist you exploit for personal gain, without ever getting up yourself – but, I digress. We set out to create dialogue and we did. You set out to prove me wrong and failed. Just like the Israel – “Palestinian” conflict, one side creates and births – the other attempts to destroy and kill.
Seriously, enough. I need to pack and you need to go back to reading Said.
But, this dialogue that we started is important. There are a million lies and innuendos in your piece that need to be addressed (did you really quote the Walt-Mershemier piece that has been unanimously rejected by every serious author and even disowned by the authors themselves? With all that time on your hands – you should have done better research). So, how do we contonue the dialogue?
RJ – I offifically challenge you and Radwan and fake Professor Mendehlson to a debate. If the word “debate” is too aggressive for your delicate liberal mind, call it an “open discussion.”

An Open Letter to RJ Rushmore

2011-12-29T11:02:00.000-08:00

Based on: http://blog.vandalog.com/2011/12/artists-4-israel-part-one/

It can be said that a man’s failings can be measured by the fault he finds in others. RJ, in his petty and baseless accusations against Artists 4 Israel, is proof. While RJ screams “manipulation” over and over again as if his vocabulary was limited to sound bites, it becomes clear that he is practicing the very manipulation he claims to be decrying. In fact, his verbal sleight of hand is far more nefarious as his is a subtle brainwashing. Worse yet, his attempts to deceive are hidden behind a veil of truth seeking, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Like screaming “fire” in a crowded movie theater, he is attempting to create panic and unease – once again, a manipulative writing trick. Either RJ is a faulty narrator misinterpreting the deeds of others or he is a crafted wordsmith, using his own lies as to create the very sentiment he claims to be describing. It is my desire to figure out which is true. Is RJ an impotent puppet of false truths and misinformation or is he a skilled manipulator, throwing salt on others to hide his own negative intentions? Lets figure it out.
In the first paragraph alone, RJ uses some variant of the word “manipulate” twice. Of course, this word also appears in his preface. In writing, there is nothing more manipulative than the continued repetition of a theme or idea. This is the reason that lawyers and politicians repeat themselves so frequently. Like the terrible pop song on the radio that you begin to love because you’ve heard it so often, familiarity breeds acceptance. If only RJ could say “manipulate” more often, he would no longer need to worry about the burden of proof regarding what was actual manipulative .It is easy to throw words, harder to defend them. The proof RJ is searching for does not exist so, he must invent some.
RJ makes a valiant effort to try and hide his own bias and attempts at manipulation by trying to create an aura of mystery around Artists 4 Israel’s ownership over the Defend the Future tour. In a fit of self-aggrandizement almost as embarrassing as his own inability to hide his biases, RJ discovers, like a modern-day Woodward and Bernstein, that…gasp…Artists 4 Israel were the creators of this event. Who was RJ’s Deep Throat? Who was his hidden, dark informant? What feat of brilliant investigative journalism led him to this awesome discovery? It was…wait for it…the webpage for the event! And, well, also…um…Facebook. Yes, folks, RJ figured it out by looking at our public information and social media. What a super sleuth. RJ is a regular Hardy Boy. Or, maybe he is right. Maybe, Artists 4 Israel are some nefarious scheming bastards – hiding their information in plain sight like that – even going so far as to hand out information pointing out their part in this event. In a world of pseudo-journalism and conspiracy theorists such as RJ, truth might just be the best place to hide.
Unfortunately, truth and facts don’t seem to concern RJ much. Maybe his idea of journalism is a little watered down. This is a blog, after all, that posts pretty pictures of criminal activities. Its very name has the word “vandal” within it. Not that there is anything wrong with writing such a blog. Heck, I did it for many years. But, like Jon Stewart always points out in regards to his show – I knew mine to be one big joke. RJ takes his desire to be a reporter far too seriously yet hides behind his disclaimer that the opinions expressed therein are his and his only. Unfortunately, so are his “facts.” Of the only two actual pieces of verifiable information he did put in the story, only one was right. He spelled Seth Wolfson’s name correctly. Way to go, guy. But, alas, he got his title wrong. Now, I do understand this is a blog post and not subject to the rules of journalism that require an unbiased opinion or, even, you know, truth but I do believe that RJ’s readers deserve a modicum of respect that their writer would at least attempt to pretend to maybe know about what he was talking. Maybe. Perhaps in his zeal to continue to uncover the mystery that was written on his Facebook wall, RJ did not have time for fact checking.
You see, RJ admits to ignoring or denying facts. He has great antipathy for the researched, vetted and correct information presented on our flyers but outright dismisses them, saying that “even if the flyer is 100% accurate” which it is “it is not working towards diversity and a peaceful coexistence.” Using RJ’s own logic, there is no room for truth in dialogue or in peace. If not, then what does RJ suggest we do instead? Does he want everyone to be uninformed?
To his use own admitted tactics and behaviors, we understand that RJ’s method of creating peace and dialogue is to attempt to stifle debate, manipulate others and censor. First, he attempts to hold a counter event next to Artists 4 Israel’s event. Then, he and his crony attempt to tell the Artists 4 Israel volunteers what to write on their mural. Finally, he bullies a fellow student to stop handing out information that RJ himself considers to be “100% accurate.” Without getting too specific, it seems that, once again, RJ, the great writer, just as he did by being “manipulative” while talking about the “manipulation” of others, is mimicking his subjects in his own writing. There is, indeed, a group of people who, in the name of “peace,” lie, threaten, deceive and destroy. I will let the reader determine who those people are. RJ already knows and has, apparently, learned their lessons well.
His intimidation and manipulation continue. While claiming to be unbiased and assuming the role of a reporter, he admits that he was “surprised” and “blown away” by the inclusiveness of our mural. He then says, both in the same sentence, that he was “misled” but also that our work was “in line with” what had been described to him. Now, he is just contradicting himself. He claims to want peace yet the only real argument he seems to be able to lodge against Artists 4 Israel is that we are pro-Israel. It is not anti-peace to support a nation and its citizens as Artists 4 Israel does. It is anti-peace to seek to destroy a mural depicting that support like RJ does. It is not anti-peace to use the arts to express viewpoints or to use culture and creation as a source of dialogue and conversation, as Artists 4 Israel does. It is anti-peace to attempt to stifle that dialogue and conversation as RJ does. It is not anti-dialogue to put out factual information encouraging students to learn more as Artists 4 Israel does. It is anti-dialogue to demand those facts be hidden and then demonized, as RJ does.
If we are to ever reach a point of agreement and advancement, it is up to the youth – the Future – to know all the facts and to see all the sides of the conflict. Until the facts are learned and understood there will only be bias like RJ promotes or fake, bullshit lies that lead us nowhere. Artists 4 Israel recognizes the need for an honest review of the issues, even if it offends RJ’s admitted bias for a people who are not all innocents except, seemingly, in RJ’s screamingly problematic mind. RJ – on behalf of the Future – I demand that you allow us free from your manipulation and to deal with this important topic with honesty and open eyes!
You say that your mural would not have been “divisive” yet claim it would have only represented one side. You ignore that Artists 4 Israel had twice as much wall space set up for students, like you, to express any information they wanted. You take the space of your blog post to promote at least one other organization with an anti-Israel agenda although they have no relevance to this story at all. You claim to support an agenda that is anti-war, anti-racism, anti-poverty and anti-partisan politics yet openly support a dictatorial regime (partisan) that murders non-believers (racism), has the destruction of a country and its people written into its founding documents (war) and is either so corrupt with the despotic rulers stealing from the people or keeping from them to manipulate sentiment on their behalf that it leaves more than half of its population destitute (poverty). I beg you, RJ, to speak plainly for once in the entire article and admit that your issue is not with Artists 4 Israel but with the fact that your own politics violently rub and tear against your mindless, fact-less support for a cause that is so powerful to you that it blinds you to any rational, accurate, correct, creative, artistic dialogue.
Apparently, today, RJ will print a story where he speaks to Artists 4 Israel and gets some real answers to his questions. This is called “burying the lead,” another well-known manipulation by writers. By the time RJ gets to discussing a possible counterpoint to his lies, they have already had a day to set in unchallenged. As such, he is debating a group that doesn’t yet exist in his story and for whom he speaks. This is another standard manipulation practiced by writers. It is called a “straw man,” a term with many meanings none of which are positive and is antithesis to fair analysis.
Yet, even amongst all his rhetoric and political posturing, RJ still admits, in summation, that Artists 4 Israel has done what world leaders, activists and even RJ himself, the great Anderson Cooper of his own mind, could not do. We began dialogue. RJ and I are dialoguing right now. If not for his own partisan politics and attempts to manipulate, we could be discussing the Middle East and ways to achieve peace. But, even though I am locked in war of words with his myopic and fatalistic worldview, others are making headway. As RJ says, our event spawned so many discussions that “worked wonderfully as an opportunity to exchange ideas in a respectful manner.” Well, thank you, RJ and, you are welcome.

Subject: A note from a fan

2011-12-22T09:27:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say that I'm very inspired by the work your group is doing for kids in Israel.

Keep up the amazing art!

Warm wishes from Los Angeles, CA

Kristina
www.wishproject.me <http://www.wishproject.me>

Freedom To Create

2011-12-15T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hello -

Artists 4 Israel has some historic news to share with you! As part of the international Freedom to Create prize, there is an on-going outdoor photography exhibit featuring the best work showcasing artistic vision and international diplomacy. This Prize was judged and selected by some of the great and culturally significant artistic and humanitarian minds of our time, including but not limited to, Salman Rushdie, Daryl Hannah, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Ana Tzarev. The exhibit is currently hosted in South Africa. Last year’s exhibit toured Cairo, New York, Mumbai and Sarajevo. The exhibit is currently hosted in South Africa. Last year’s exhibit toured Cairo, New York, Mumbai and Sarajevo.

Two Artists 4 Israel photos from our Murality trip to Israel, both shot by our own Seth Wolfson, are part of the exhibition. The photos on display in South Africa.

This is HUGELY impressive and important. We are the ONLY pro-Israel advocacy organization even being considered for this incredible prize; let alone to be a part of the exhibition.

Across the world now, our message is being spread: Israel is a beautiful country that chooses art over war.

This is where we need your help. The international community has recognized how important A4I's methods are and we ask you to do the same. We ask you to consider a donation. $10 buys a can of paint for an advocacy program, $5000 funds Artists 4 Israel on a local college campus, $20,000 puts A4I on a campus that requires travel, $65,000 would fund A4I's fourth Murality trip to paint bomb shelters in Israel. $300,000 would fund Artists 4 Israel's programming for a year. $500,000 would fund A4I's entire 2012 budgetary needs- including both programming and fully staffed operations. Yes, we do make the most of our funding!

Please take a moment to think about the importance of Artists 4 Israel's mission: Artists 4 Israel uses the power and universal messages of art to educate, support and provide awareness about Israel.

We are the only advocacy organization using the arts to change the universal bias towards Israel. Please donate here www.artists4israel.org/donate.

We thank you in advance for your time and generous contribution.

Sincerely,

Craig Dershowitz

President
Artists 4 Israel

DTF Tour goes to Temple University

2011-10-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

For more images check out facebook and here

Dont forget to like us and follow us on twitter

For more images check out facebook and here

boycott the boycotters!

2011-10-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

US Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel is calling for boycotts and protests of the Jerusalem String Quartet

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=26879

...this is why we are here - take a stand and fight back and go hear this beautiful music, support the Jerusalem String Quartet when they are in your town

Get Your New Year On

2011-09-28T02:00:00.000-07:00

Artists 4 Israel Wishes you a Happy New Year!

A Happy End of Summer, a Happy Start of Fall and Just an Overall Happy Day!

Please take a moment and consider helping us start out our year right with a contribution:

www.artists4israel.org/donate

Are you DTF?

2011-09-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

…What we mean is... Defending The Future! Do you go to or know someone at Temple University, UPitt, Haverford or Bryn Mawr? Artists 4 Israel is embarking on its first multi-school tour and we want you to get involved. Join other activists, along with well known graffiti and hip-hop groups, and be a part of something historic. Please email: info@artists4israel.org

Made U Look

2011-09-27T14:37:00.001-07:00

While “Palestinians” begin to riot after Abbas’ rejection of peace talks, the IDF’s elite Paratroopers' Reconnaissance Company gets to enjoy a little A4I art in Hebron. Peace to UTAH & ETHER. MUL stands for Made U Look – so true!

Gallery Show: The Response Series @ The Dershowitz Center

2011-09-27T14:14:00.001-07:00

and a video from our latest show for your enjoyment:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9RLARBX-KQ&feature=youtu.be

Be a Part of The In Crowd!

2011-09-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

Artists 4 Israel is working on many new and exciting programs, events and initiatives.

Get involved and be a part of what the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel is calling

“Artists 4 Israel is one of the most creative, innovative and effective Israel advocacy organizations today. They are changing our perceptions of PR and having an impact on our policy and style.”

To get involved please email info@artists4israel.org

Speech! Speech! Speech!

2011-09-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

Our President will be giving two very important and high-level speeches this month.

First, Craig Dershowitz will be sharing a podium with Steve Rosen, the former head of AIPAC at the Israel Study Group meeting in Philadelphia.
Steve was once arrested (but not prosecuted since there was absolutely no evidence) for espionage. How intriguing!

Second, Craig Dershowitz will be speaking at the NY-Toronto Fly-In on the same podium as Charles Bronfman, Andrew Tisch, Michael Steinhardt and Gary Bettman.

Craig is nervous. Wish him luck!

A4I at FAU Day 3 - Painting

2011-09-15T14:01:00.001-07:00

A4I at FAU Day 2 - Painting

2011-09-13T16:45:00.001-07:00

A4I At FAU Day 1

2011-09-13T16:29:00.001-07:00

Any Press

2011-09-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

...can at least be amusing press

Bad Politics Meets Bad Art in 'Pro-Israel' Exhibit

http://blogs.forward.com/the-arty-semite/142534/

Street Art, Politics & Wheatpaste

2011-09-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

JR to Provide Photobooths for ALL to Take Photo and Paste the Streets

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/jrs-inside-out-project-invites-thousands-of-israelis-and-palestinians-to-show-their-faces-2011-09-07

The Press Just Can't Keep Away

2011-08-24T13:22:00.001-07:00

http://thestreetspot.com/2011/08/a41-loading-dock-party-friday-826.html

Because anything with Herm and Cycle is worth seeing...

Away we Go

2011-08-17T13:50:00.001-07:00

Thank You Ziggy

2011-07-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

Save the Date

2011-07-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Please Save the Date

September 18th, 2011 - Evening

for

Terror: Artists Respond

Details to come for information please contact yonastudio@nyc.rr.com

Mission Accomplished...

2011-07-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

3 Years in, Artists 4 Israel unveils an updated Mission Statement...

Here is it:

Our Mission

Artists 4 Israel uses the power and universal messages of art to educate, support and provide awareness about Israel.

Educate artists and create outlets for them to express their support of Israel.
Counter the misconception that the arts community does not stand behind Israel.
Utilize the arts to refute anti-Israel propaganda.
Inform the public about Israel’s beauties and freedoms .
Beautify the landscape and strengthen the spirit of the people of Israel

Calling All Philly Based Students

2011-07-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

Artists 4 Israel is embarking on a Philly School Tour...want to get involved and shape the program at your school?

contact: info@artists4israel.org

The Paradise Project

2011-07-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

Let me Present....Annie Albagli

In an ongoing collaborative project through Artists 4 Israel Annie worked with families who suffered a traumatic event (most recently families evicted from their homes in Gaza and living in trailers), by painting any image they request in their home. In exchange, each family is asked to describe their personal paradise. The images they request to be painted are not ethereal, they are practical. As a result, the act of painting for them and taking particular care of a space in their home while asking them to meditate on their own paradise turns that space into a moment of personal escape and realized beauty. The images they request to be painted are not ethereal, they are practical. As a result, the act of painting for them and taking particular care of a space in their home while asking them to meditate on their own paradise turns that space into a moment of personal escape and realized beauty. Below are images of specific homes and community spaces touched by the Paradise Project.

To learn more about The Paradise Project and see more pictures please visit: http://anniealbagli.com/?work=paradiseproject

Wanna Be on the Inside???

2011-07-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

A4I is ready to move forward, building upon our success in Israel and ready to organize and run a number of amazing programs and advocate for Israel in the unique and effective way that only we can. Your help is needed.

This is your opportunity to be involved in the inner-workings of the organization and to do volunteer work where your skills are embraced and you can take pride in your personal accomplishments. Please feel free to forward to or bring a friend who might want to get involved.

Next Meeting: July 27th, 8pm @the A4I offices

Please contact Tara@artists4israel.org for the address and any other questions you may have.

Save the Date: Artists Respond

2011-07-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to get involved please email info@artists4israel.org and to reserve your space please go to http://www.boomset.com/apps/eventpage/350

No, no, no - Thank you!

2011-07-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

PRESS: Spiked

2011-07-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php/site/article/10845/

Open Letter to Jello Biafra

2011-06-29T19:20:00.001-07:00

Press: The Jewish Voice

2011-06-28T06:16:00.001-07:00

Press: Gush Etzion Magazine - Cover Story

2011-06-22T10:20:00.001-07:00

Murality 3, Ep. 5: Graffiti is Still War

2011-06-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

Murality 3, Ep. 5: Graffiti is Still War from Artists4 Israel on Vimeo.

It's Legal, I swear

2011-06-02T04:25:00.000-07:00

There is a common phrase that always gets made concerning Israel, "illegal occupation". People who are anti-Israel always seem to tout their knowledge of this issue by declaring that they know what is legal and illegal under International Law. I usually respond in some different ways but honestly I didn't really know how far back you can trace just the legal aspect of the whole situation.

Here is a video, watch it. Relax, there are english translations at the top.

I personally love this video trend started by Apple and UPS. All the clutter and gimmicks are just blown away and the simple truth is pushed to the forefront. All the legal issues being disputed are easily explained. So much so that it seems pretty obvious to anyone. Do what i did and double check what he says, it's all right out there in the history books. It is a good brush up on the history of Israel and it's formation.

p.s. I would like to thank the Coen Brothers, Bob Dylan, Deep Purple, Paul Simon, and all the other amazing artists that have come to preform or support Israel recently. Thank you.

Want More Pictures?

2011-06-01T06:59:00.003-07:00

Pictures from day 10, 11 and 12 of the Murality 3 trip can only be found on our Facebook page. Go there and become a fan!
GO HERE TO GET TO THE PAGE

Last Day in Hevron: Make Art, Not Fear

2011-06-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

Alert! Alert! Artists 4 Israel is here!

2011-06-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

The sad thing is that in Shiloh, like in every Jewish community in Judea and Samaria, they have a very advanced security system that sends out not only sirens and alarms but also e-mail and text messages to every resident of the community when there is a potential threat or an important message to share.

The funny thing is that they utilized this system when Artists 4 Israel arrived to let the community know - those crazy, impressive, beautiful artists are here to paint messages of support and hope.

The response was astounding. Within minutes, we were swarmed by hundreds of kids cheering us on and parents offering us sweets and thank yous.

Love Stories: Part 1

2011-06-01T05:31:00.000-07:00

Israel is full of beautiful love stories. Here is one of my favorites.

"I met my wife in Belgium. She was working in a cafe and when I walked in, she had just finished closing. I was exhausted and hungry and before I could beg her for a quick bite, she said to me 'I am going to cook you dinner because I saw you on the Temple Mount in Israel and fell in love with you then.' I had never been to Israel and had no desire to ever go. But, she was beautiful, and cooking for me and I let her believe whatever she wanted to believe. I ate, we spoke and then went out separate ways. A year later, my father got re-married. His new wife was an artist and she wanted to travel the world to paint. I accompanied them and we ended up in Israel. My father's new wife's family owned a restaurant in Jerusalem and while we were there, her Uncle passed away and we inherited this small cafe that was not more than 10 steps away from the Temple Mount. I would go out every morning to walk and enjoy the view of Jerusalem when I walked into that same beautiful woman who had made me dinner in Belgium a year ago. We were married two days later and spent the next 10 years running our cafe and excavating the area around us, practicing art and living her dream."

Fine Art: Colored Cactus Show

2011-06-01T05:26:00.000-07:00

Just because graffiti is so cool, people forget some of the fine art work produced by Artists 4 Israel's artists.
CLICK HERE for a video of fine art and installation pieces produced at the Colored Cactus show by Dershowitz Center artists.

Caliber 3

2011-05-26T23:11:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, in the middle of our trip, with all the press and politics and promotion, we forget how simple this conflict really is.
Today, we travelled to a gun range in Gush Etzion and learned self-defense techniques and fired some weapons.
The instructor explained everything we ever need to know in one sentence:

"We teach people to kill the bad guys and protect the good people."

Simple enough.

Press: JPOST

2011-05-26T22:44:00.000-07:00

Front page

We all scream for ice-cream

2011-05-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

In Shiloh, Artists 4 Israel was painting two elementary schools. It was over 90 degrees and our artists were surviving on cold water and smiles. Watching them sweat away, we decided to buy ice cream for everyone. I mean if you are going to be hot - you might as well be fat too!

Craig went to the local grocery store and stocked up. He bought a bunch of the Watermelon ice cream bar that has become our unofficial mascot on this trip and a handful of other chocolatey-cool happiness. The clerk, a true Sabra, who happens to own the store (told you it was a small town) was ringing the items up without looking. Near the end, he picks his head up from the register and notices Craig.

"You're one of the artists," he says. "Sort of," say Craig.

The store owner stops, gathers up all the ice cream in one big pile and thrusts it at Craig. "You take these. For you."
"How much do I owe you?" Craig asks.

The store owner pushes them into Craig's hands, puts his own hands (now ice cream free) to his heart and says "It is an honor to give them to you. Please, take them. You have touched the lives of everyone in Shiloh. Please. Please. It is my honor."

PAINTING THE SECURITY FENCE

2011-05-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

Spouting truth, UK style.

2011-05-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, after a short hiatus I'M BACK!!

...and here is a video I've been working on.

... ok that isn't me but I was absolutely floored by what this man said. He is so well thought out in his speech I find it impossible to imagine someone disagreeing with him. Seriously! I read through most of the posts in response to the video and it is utter lunacy of national pride and how China will take over the world.

Confused by that one? I was as well. A little research dug up this and this. The entire modern world today exists because of Jews. I do not believe that statement to be hyperbole at all.

With all the recent news concerning Israel it is comforting to know that there are people in Europe and Asia who appreciate the Jews and the place that they live. Now to convince more people. Are you checking out the amazingness happening right now on our most recent trip to Israel?

I don't know about you but I am blown away.

Press: NRG

2011-05-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

READ ARTICLE HERE

Murality 3, Episode 3: Barbarians at the Gate

2011-05-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Murality 3, Hebron: Behind the Green Line from Artists4 Israel on Vimeo.

This is that sense of fear manifest.

Murality 3, Day 6: Preparing the Future for History

2011-05-23T00:17:00.000-07:00

Murality 3, Day 5: A Story on Walls

2011-05-22T23:58:00.000-07:00

Murality 3, Day 4: Reach Out and Touch Faith

2011-05-22T23:50:00.000-07:00

Press: COLLive

2011-05-22T10:35:00.001-07:00

Read Article Here

Episode 2: For the Kids

2011-05-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

Murality 3, (re)engagement - Episode 2: For the Kids from Artists4 Israel on Vimeo.

Press: Israel Matzav

2011-05-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

Read Article HERE

Murality 3, Day 3: Observe and Report

2011-05-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Murality 3, Episode 1: Floating Away

2011-05-20T08:45:00.001-07:00

Artists 4 Israel (Murality 3) - The (re)Engagement Tour, Episode 1: Floating Away from Artists4 Israel on Vimeo.

Observing the Observers

2011-05-20T02:47:00.001-07:00

The U.N. Observers look at me and want to discuss tattoos.

Him: Who's that?
Me: That is a tattoo of Ze'ev Jabotinsky.
Him: Who's that?
Me: You don't know who Ze'ev Jabotinsky is?
Him: No
Me: How about Yitzhak Rabin?
Him: I have heard of him
Me: You serious?
Him: Yes, why? I just got here 2 weeks ago. I can't know everything.
Me: Keep observing.

How dare you police an area where you don't even know its people, history, or the narrative and ideals that built the place. Those who can, do. Those who can't - get fat UN contracts.

Hebron: Excuse My Language

2011-05-20T02:20:00.000-07:00

It is well known within the writing community that you very rarely (if ever) use curse words. Yes, it attracts attention. Yes, it indicates drama or anger or fear or all of the above but it also, with each use, limits its power to communicate those intense emotions. If you are going to use a curse word in writing - the emotion better deserve the impact you are intending. You must consider your writing in the context of all time because 100 years from now an author will not have the same power to bang out a point with the same ferocity and all the past writers have now been lessened too. Do you plan on looking at Shakespeare and apologizing?

But, this is one of those times. I have no problem staring Conrad, Hemingway, Mahler or Keats in the eye or any of the million writers who will come after me and saying: "You understand I had to do this:"

What the fuck is going on here?

We are in Hebron. There are literally thousands of Arab children roaming the streets, angry and un-parented. Violent, disaffected youth raised, literally, in garbage dumps and on the back of hatred and hope of domination. You can't pick up litter on the street because that would be an act of "aggression" that they would punish with knives and sticks. They beat their donkeys and dogs. They have been raised to think we are monkeys and pigs. Fuck you, you do the math on that one. A few religious Jews believe...congregating where their stones can't reach and praying for a past to turn into a future that they forget their children are targets. UN Observers watch and do nothing. Dread-headed American hippy, trunstfundian, activist idiots parade around the streets in the day imagining wrongs and pains and excusing their violence. Then, at night, they scatter, like cockroaches - running from the violence they excuse. Sacrifice yourself too you dumb fuck. You understand it - then be part of it. Self-flagellate. Self-immolate. Burn yourself in effigy of your own misunderstood internal fire of guilt and regret. UTAH and ETHER have travelled the world painting trains, ducking their dodging bullets and trying not to burn on the third rail. But, here, they come in peace and love - bright neon colors and all kinds of open-mindedness. They stood by a gate - offering hope and beauty and

BANG! BANG! BANG! Rock after rock. Stones. Bricks - like mortar shells descend around them. UTAH is thrown down violently - she resists but realizes that an Israeli soldier is on top of her sacrificing himself for her protection. ETHER is pissed. Dude ran the streets - he doesn't want to be political. But an eye for an eye. They attacked first. Let him at them. No. Another soldier pulls him into a pillbox. You're safe here...for now.

If you respond, they respond. Escalation. War. Middle East. So, the soldiers are sitting targets. Protectors without protection.

More rocks, bricks, glass, shattering, hoping to cut, to bleed, to tear. They hate. The soldiers debate. Do they disburse the violent gang. Tear gas? Rubber bullets? How do we lessen the pain they are causing us without hurting them? A calculation of slow death. A bleeding bargain.

Today is EWOK's birthday. Having toured the world he could be anywhere celebrating life. Now, he is contemplating death. He chose to be here. He was just painting on the Arab side of town - he doesn't give a good g-ddamn who is who and what is what. Art transcends violence. Beauty above all. Birthdays remind us to be better - to live for a future. But, what kind of future is their when the children hide knives in their socks. He posed with five beautiful Jewish girls in front of his mural. Now some Arab youth are testing his metal. He has painted in South Central, LA in the eighties but this is worse. He is black. Some Arabs point at him and say "Barack, Barack, Barack!" He looks at me - the eyes say it all - I'm not trying to be racist. But...

Barack Barack Barack. '67 Borders. That announcement will come in two or three days.

We all want a victim. Then, choose me. My politics are crazy right wing. Don't paint us all with my brush. I own my own anger. I own my own belief system. I don't hurt no one until they try to hurt me. I love women and bless children. Hip-hop is the truth. And I never back down. I never bow. But, here I am in Hebron...tying my shoe. Before I know it - before I can look up - 10 Arab youth are around me. One has a stick. Another a brick. I see movement from the corner of my eye. Brooklyn is in my blood and I am two seconds away from that blood spilling across the Middle East. Do I hit a child. It is my only way out. They told me not to walk around at night. This is broad day light. Fight or die. You choose.

Fuck us all.

Murality 3, Day 2: Barbarians at the Gate

2011-05-20T02:09:00.001-07:00

Murality 3, Day 1: Elements of Style

2011-05-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

We do it all for the smiles.

In the middle of a town under constant attack and threat - what do the kids of Israel seek? Peace!

When you wake up the next day coughing up colors, it reminds you of the paint.

Our friends sang us a few songs as a thank you.

ETHER performs surgery. For more graffiti lessons, please visit www.utahether.com.

Gorgeous

Murality 3, Day 1: Looking In

2011-05-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

Murality 3, Day 1: Floating Away (Dead Sea)

2011-05-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

Press: Craig Dershowitz on JPR

2011-05-19T09:36:00.001-07:00

Press: SKI on JPR

2011-05-19T09:35:00.001-07:00

Press: YNET

2011-05-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

READ ARTICLE HERE

Only 18 comments? I thought we deserved more than that.

Prep Day for MURALITY 3

2011-05-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

Press: Daily Collegian

2011-04-23T10:44:00.001-07:00

CLICK HERE

The Team

2011-04-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

sKi2esAe and NFDELenz. It is too complex to decipher, so don't worry about the cypher.

Wake up. Drive 6 hours. Build a wall. Burners. Burners. Burners. Educate. Reach one. Teach one. Take down a wall. Drive 6 miles. Eat mushroom caps. Go back to life. Make art. Love Israel.

A Tribute to Jayne Taylor Levenberg

2011-04-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

The PSU 4 ISRAEL mural says it all: Jayne was Responsible. Very true. In under 4 months, she united every Jewish and Israel advocacy organization on campus (no small feat), defeated the enemies of Israel who tried to stop her (and when I say defeat - I mean a true KO - a Mike Tyson style destruction), bought a tent, was a good daughter, got enough credits to graduate early, and was so organized as to force Artists 4 Israel to do our job even better than we ever have before. She was responsible, organized, passionate, dedicated, tenacious, charming and unstoppable.

Jayne - it is no joke. You have a pending job offer. We trust you to be responsible for a lot more.

The Clothes Make the Man

2011-04-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

Who is that wearing an official A4I shirt? Well, it is the Director of Academic Affairs for the Consulate General of Israel - that's who!

A4I's Art at Penn State

2011-04-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

The People of Penn State

2011-04-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

Penn State: The Creative Process

2011-04-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

Penn State Supports Israel

2011-04-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are.

50 sheets of wood, 20 2x4's, 10 L brackets, 5 gallons of paint. Isn't this how all non-profits buy office supplies?

SKI prepares some introductory materials for the PSU campus.

Colored Cactus

2011-04-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

Now, Artists 4 Israel is On Demand

2011-04-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

(S)kin brunch

2011-04-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

I look forward to seeing you all this Sunday for a special brunch (S)kin!

A Scary Story for All Artists

2011-04-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

Bomb Day at NYU

2011-04-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

BombDay at Washington Square Park from Hot Mop Films on Vimeo.

Press: JPost

2011-04-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

Read Article HERE

All the Press from the Bomb Shelter Museum

2011-04-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

RIP Juliano Mer-Khamis

2011-04-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Juliano Mer-Khamis, an actor most recently known for his role in the piece of puff propaganda and buffoonery known as MIRAL has been shot dead inside the West Bank.

The papers will report this as a story of "life imitating art" as the film decries the rough and violent (and fake) world Palestinians face living so near to Israel. But, Miral is a lie, a fabrication of exploitation and violence porn intended not as a work of art but as an advertisement for phony Palestinian suffering. Instead, this is an example of "life being offended by a used car commercial masquerading as art and showing what real life is." In this case, real life is that 80% of Palestinians would rather live under Israeli control because, in Israel, they have freedoms, rights and safety but in their own communities, they have dictators, violent thugs, a culture obsessed with death and a near-sighted arts community making films about lies and misinformation. In this case, Juliano had many happy, free, life-affirming moments in Israel and only met his end when the Hamas bullies that terrorize Israel found him in their way and ended his life.

As an arts organization, Artists 4 Israel mourns the passing of any actor. We hope that his death will not be misused by the propagandists of Palestine and will, instead, cast a truthful light on the violent, thuggish nature of the enemy Israel faces everyday. We hope that artists will stop making lies and start looking seriously and honestly at the situation in the Middle East!

Press: Consulate General of Israel

2011-04-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE

Press: Artis

2011-04-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE

Press: Shalom TV

2011-04-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

PLEASE CLICK HERE AND WATCH THIS VIDEO

About Us

2011-04-01T19:46:00.000-07:00

Artists 4 Israel is a community of creative individuals working together in an on-going, collaborative project expressing Israel's right to exist in peace and security. Beautifully effective, shockingly creative!

You can find more information about our programs here:

Artists 4 Israel: General information about a majority of our programs.
Murality: Paint Israel: We bring famous, international graffiti artists to paint messages of hope and support throughout Israel.
Bomb Shelter Museum: Our Bomb Shelter Museum brings the reality of life in Israel, under the constant threat of terror attacks from Hamas, to public locations around New York.
Dershowitz Center for Pro-Israel Art: Our working think-tank, studying anti-Israel propaganda and creating art work to counter-act it.

To Donate: Please Click HERE

We are a 501(c)3 registered non-profit organization.

Press: NewsReal Blog

2011-04-01T14:15:00.001-07:00

Read Article HERE

Press: NYCity Culture Blog

2011-04-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

Read Article HERE

We are an officially recognized non-profit organization

2011-04-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

501(c)(3)

Bomb Shelter Museum

2011-04-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Bomb Shelter Museum

2011-04-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Press: NY Observer

2011-03-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

Read Article HERE

Press: JTA

2011-03-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

Press: FOX NEWS

2011-03-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

Go to THIS LINK

Press: Gothamist (Third Time)

2011-03-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

Read Snarky Article HERE

Press: Front Page of CNN

2011-03-30T13:08:00.001-07:00

Let's buy something good.

2011-03-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

Attention everyone! Attention Everyone!!! Today is "Buy Israel Goods" day. We talk a lot about the cultural boycott that gives misinformation to artists to bully them into not preforming for fans in Israel. I just don't want to forget that this started from an actual call for an economic boycott of Israeli products.

Don't know where to begin? neither did I so relax. go to this website; buyisraelgoods.org and find something local in a store you may or may not shop in and voice your support for Israeli products with your cash, the loudest unused voice of all.

I know I'm loading up on wine & pop-rocks chocolate. It is going to be a fun night!

Press: Tablet

2011-03-29T18:25:00.001-07:00

Read Article HERE

Press: The Observers

2011-03-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

Read Article HERE

Press: The Jewish Week

2011-03-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

Read Article HERE