Shalva Art Exhibit Brings Israel’s Story of War and Strength to Houston

An extraordinary art exhibit that captures the resilience and challenges of Israelis with disabilities amid the trauma of war has made its U.S. debut in Houston. The Shalva Art Exhibit, hosted at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, offers American audiences a powerful look into the lived experiences of Israelis impacted by the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Curated by Shalva, an Israeli organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, the exhibit showcases artwork created by people with disabilities who processed their experiences of trauma through Shalva’s art therapy program. The pieces express the pain, strength, and unity that emerge from lives touched by conflict. This program includes regular participants and individuals from evacuated communities across Israel, highlighting perspectives from across society.

After premiering in countries such as South Korea, Sweden, Israel, and England, Shalva’s exhibit has reached Texas, where visitors can engage deeply with the stories told through each artwork. Kalman Samuels, Shalva’s president and founder, describes art as “a language that speaks beyond words.” His hope is that the people of Houston will feel a shared connection with the artists. “Through this exhibit, we share not only the stories of pain but also the stories of strength, unity, and hope that bind us together as human beings,” Samuels said.

Rabbi Brian Strauss of Congregation Beth Yeshurun highlighted the exhibit’s impact on the local community, noting how it provides a “unique perspective on the trauma endured by all sectors of Israeli society.” As Texas’ largest conservative synagogue, Beth Yeshurun has a strong commitment to inclusive programming, and the Shalva exhibit has given Houstonians a profound way to connect with Israel’s reality during these challenging times.

The exhibit’s themes of resilience and inclusivity resonate especially strongly with the congregation’s Inclusion Committee members, Richard Kammerman and Judy Blake. They see the exhibit as a meaningful step in deepening the synagogue’s understanding of inclusive practices. "This exhibit goes beyond art," Kammerman said, "It’s an opportunity for us to enhance our approach to inclusivity by learning from Shalva’s work."

Running through November, the Shalva Art Exhibit invites people from all backgrounds to engage with the strength and courage of Israelis, offering a space for unity and compassion across borders.

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