We’ve put together a special evening that brings the diverse sounds and stories of Israel to Brooklyn. 

It’s an invitation to meet some of Israel’s most creative and intriguing artists, and to open your hearts and minds through their work, great food, and meaningful conversation. 

Come for any or all of the program below, or come just for the vibes. You’re welcome, We can’t wait to see you there - feel free to share this with friends!

We can’t wait to see you there - feel free to share this with friends!

6:00 PM

Gathering: Food, Drinks & Music 

A relaxed start to the evening. Join us for light Israeli bites and conversation before the program begins.

6:45–8:00 PM

Jewish Stories from the Middle East and North Africa

A talk with Israeli Filmmaker Rafael Balulu is a curated event built around excerpts from his documentary films, exploring Jewish history and identity from the Middle East and North Africa through cinema, rare archival material, and personal storytelling. Drawing on figures portrayed in his work; Balulu weaves culture and history with his own personal journey, as a filmmaker and cultural activist and as the son of Moroccan Jewish immigrants to Israel.

8:15–9:00 PM

A fresh and soulful performance led by pianist and composer Yotam Ishay, a Grammy-nominated artist, alongside Roni Eytan on harmonica and David Sirkis on percussion.

Together, they create a rich and intimate sound that blends Israeli musical traditions with contemporary jazz, through original arrangements full of depth, improvisation, and emotional resonance.

9:00–10:00 PM

Shikun HaTikvah: A VJ Session 

Retro Middle Eastern Music Curated by filmmaker Na’ama Keha

A rare audio-visual dance session spotlighting Jewish Yemenite Iranian Iraqi and Turkish musicians that echoed from the social periphery of Israeli society. These musicians that for decades were marginalized by the Israeli national broadcast, succeeded to gain popularity among the lower classes in Israel and among the muslim communities in their respective descents; Their music built a cultural bridge of love, respect and hope. 

Tickets

General Admission: $36

Includes Israeli food by 12 chairs, and full program. You are also welcome to bring your own drink if you’d like!

Lead organization:

Brooklyn Shlichut – The Jewish Agency for Israel, UJA Federation of New York

Young Adult Leadership – Kane Street Synagogue

Special thanks to our generous co-sponsors:

• Gathering Neshama Sponsored by Jaffa Gate

• IPF Atid

• Moishe House Williamsburg

We are also grateful to our community partners:

• Brooklyn Heights Synagogue

• Israeli Artists Project

• Kane Street Synagogue

• Atara Minyan

• Park Slope Jewish Center

• Sephardic Mizrahi Q Network

• The American Sephardi Federation's Young Leaders & Sephardi House