Since its establishment seven years ago, the Mandel Program for Cultural Leadership in the Negev has become a respected and influential force in the Negev's cultural landscape. The breadth and depth of its impact are best illustrated through the leadership demonstrated by its fellows and graduates.
Sofie Berzon MacKie: Be’eri Gallery
One story of the impact of program graduates is that of the gallery of Kibbutz Be’eri. On the morning of October 7, the gallery was set ablaze and destroyed by Hamas terrorists. Emerging from the devastation, gallery director Sofie Berzon MacKie, a resident of the kibbutz and a graduate of Cohort 4 of the program, led an extraordinary act of renewal – rebuilding the Be’eri Gallery in Tel Aviv while simultaneously spearheading the creation of a new permanent home for the gallery in the kibbutz. This large-scale architectural project enjoys the support of the German government and the patronage of the President of Israel. Sofie's endeavor goes beyond restoring a cultural institution; above all, it is an act of cultural leadership – a choice to build a space, within a site of horror, that affirms faith in humanity and beauty.
Sujood Abuzkeka: Art as a Formative Tool
Elsewhere in the Negev, artist, educator, and program fellow Sujood Abuzkeka co-founded “Braya,” an artists' collective that uses art to conceptualize and call attention to core issues such as home demolitions and violence in the Bedouin community. Sujood is a pioneer in utilizing art as an educational tool within the Arab society in the Negev. She works in informal education to reduce violence and increase a sense of belonging among youth and people with hearing loss.
Tehila Azulay-Shaul: The Healing Power of Art
Playwright and actor Tehila Azulay-Shaul, a graduate of Cohort 4, provides an example of art's healing potential. Through her comedy shows and a set of playing cards developed with psychologist Hanna Birnbaum, she builds bridges of humor in a space between the brutality of war and the tenderness of family life. These tools are used to help soldiers returning from hundreds of days of reserve duty readjust to home life, which may have changed substantially in their absence. Both her show and the card game have been adopted by many IDF units. Across the country, her performances evoke not only laughter but meaningful conversations about the war's impact on family dynamics.
Yousef Abo Madegem and Haggai Arad: Groundbreaking Bedouin Film
From the stage to the big screen, filmmaker Yousef Abo Madegem, a Bedouin and graduate of Cohort 1 of the Mandel Program for Local Leadership in Rahat, joined together with producer Haggai Arad, a fellow in the Mandel Program for Cultural Leadership in the Negev, to create “Eid” – the first Bedouin feature film in Israeli cinema history. Boldly addressing questions of gender and tradition, the film won the best film and best actor awards at the Jerusalem International Film Festival, was nominated for the Ophir Award, and was accepted to the prestigious Rotterdam Festival. These accomplishments represent more than artistic merit – they give voice to the Bedouin community, breaking its silence, penetrating the heart of Israeli culture, and resonating worldwide.
Dani Roy-Shapira and Shimon Bitton: Kometz Theater
The Kometz Theater, led by Dani Roy-Shapira, a graduate of Cohort 4, and current program fellow Shimon Bitton, was established during the COVID-19 pandemic. Driven by the desire to continue reaching audiences without violating restrictions on gatherings, the group developed a distinctive theatrical language centered on text and acting – foregoing sets, costumes, and props. Kometz continues to develop this unique format, putting on performances – many for free – in the streets of Beer Sheva's Old City.
Naama Sapir: Reimagining the Region
Another initiative that originated in Beer Sheva is “I Love Negev” – a tour project founded by program fellow Naama Sapir that showcases the Negev as a vibrant, diverse region rich in landscapes, people, cultures, and complexities. Following the initiative's success, Naama was appointed tourism coordinator for the Tekuma region, the area of the Negev that is rebuilding after the events of October 7. Her work demonstrates that the impact of culture is not limited to the creative-identity sphere but also extends to regional economic development.
While intellectual and artistic acts may not immediately transform reality, they do articulate possibilities for transformation. The Mandel Program for Cultural Leadership in the Negev, led by program director Dr. Hagit Damri and faculty member Dr. David Biton, seeks to nurture and sustain these acts as the foundation for positive movements and new initiatives in the region.