This evening (Tuesday), an artists' event was held at the 'Tamol Shelshom' cafe in Jerusalem, with the participation of dozens of artists and cultural figures, organized by the creator and singer Yishai Lapidot, the CEO of the 'Espeklaria' Jewish Repertory Theater, Hagai Luber, and the director of the 'Hagol' club, Yonatan Dubov.
Lapidot, who hosted the evening, noted: "Many of my artist friends who wanted to perform here today avoided coming due to the fear that they would be categorized, labeled, or excluded from a very specific circle - something that would harm their careers and livelihoods.
""But we have gathered here, right-wing and left-wing, religious, traditional and secular, to say one thing clearly - we are Jews and Israelis first, and only then artists and creators.".
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""It is not permissible in the name of freedom of creation and expression to harm the good name of the State of Israel and its values. It pains me that those who have engraved freedom of expression on their flag are the ones who are causing severe silence among Israeli artists.".
Later in the event, writer and producer Mickey Goldenberg, brother of the late Dudu Topaz, also spoke: "I know that I am now going to make many enemies in the cultural world, just due to the fact that I also voice the opinions of others. It doesn't matter what opinion you hold as an artist, as long as you focus on creation and spirit.
""Instead of hitting, instead of fighting with each other, instead of strengthening what divides over what unites, let's look for the positive, Israeli creation and the common denominator that sets us apart.".
Hagai Luber said during the event: "There is work, even that which goes beyond what the media knows. These are the transparent artists. But we are here today to present the existing forces, those who are not ashamed to support both the state and the IDF soldiers.".
Jonathan Dubov noted: "Culture does not stop at the triangle of Shenkin, Nahalat Binyamin and Florentin streets in Tel Aviv. Culture belongs to everyone. I urge you to come and encourage creativity of every kind and from every sector. It is a shame that there are many artists who told me that they will not be able to come because they will be labeled in the industry and lose their jobs.".
