Israel: Together we shine!
Idea: fostering positive connections
Israel has been a regular partner of the Festival of Lights for many years. In 2020, the country was once again a guest in Berlin – on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Israeli-German relations. The focus was on a special aspect of these relations: Israeli culture with music, dance, visual arts and architecture.
In 2016, the Festival of Lights had already celebrated its 50th anniversary with a joint work of art by Israeli and German artists and a collage of images on the Palais am Festungsgraben. At that time, the festival was awarded the Medal of Honor of the State of Israel for its successful collaboration.
Implementation: culture for the eyes
In September 2020, a colorful collage shone on the Berlin State Opera, presenting striking impressions of music, art and cultural cooperation. Under the motto “Together we shine!”, musicians from Israel and Germany, for example, were projected together and put into context.
The projection was integrated into the overall staging of Bebelplatz, which extended from the Hotel de Rome to the Humboldt University Law Faculty and St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, highlighting themes such as cohesion, solidarity and joie de vivre. The event took place on the very spot where the National Socialists burned thousands of books 87 years ago, including many works by Jewish authors.
Success: an action with symbolic power
Israel succeeded in sending a strong signal for tolerance and freedom with the light installation at this historic location: “Together we shine!”. Countless festival visitors stopped, recognized the signs and felt part of the community.
http://www.tvb.de/nachrichten/1953/Israel_beim_Festival_of_Lights_Berlin.html