Standing Strong in Support of Israeli Artists
The America-Israel Cultural Foundation (AICF) has been an unwavering supporter of Israeli artists for 85 years, providing them with the resources they need to reach their potential and perform before audiences worldwide. The challenges Israeli artists face today, however, are unparelled.
This past May, the world-renowned Jerusalem Quartet was scheduled to perform at the prestigious Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. As you may have heard, their performance was canceled. The Concertgebouw, citing concerns over protests related to the Israel-Gaza war, claimed it could not ensure the safety of the audience, musicians, and employees. This decision sent shockwaves through the global music community and prompted an outcry from fellow musicians.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Israeli artists are facing an alarming wave of cancellations. From concert halls in Europe to online spaces, these talented individuals are being silenced simply because of where they come from.
In these times of uncertainty, your support is more critical than ever. Your generosity not only provides essential funding for these artists—it ensures that Israeli culture will continue to inspire and uplift, even in the face of adversity. Thank you for standing with us.
Natanel Laevsky, violist and AICF grant and instrument bank recipient, shared:
"The recent pogroms in our country and the constant antisemitism abroad have once again shown us that no place is safe for Jewish people. I feel a huge responsibility to keep living, working, and doing whatever is in my power to spread music, especially during this war."
