Art & Israel: More Than Just Graffiti
A look into the beautiful street art scene in Israel
Shalom! My name is Sarina and I am the brand strategy intern with Sababoosh. I am so grateful for the opportunity to get to write an article about one of my favorite aspects of Israeli culture - art! I am going into my final year at Kennesaw State University as a public relations major and have hopes of becoming a brand strategist. I can’t wait to see where the summer takes me!
A few weeks ago, I was walking around Tel Aviv with my family near Jerusalem Beach. We were on our way to a bar mitzvah and were meandering through the streets, hoping to get our bearings and find the synagogue. As we were walking, I couldn’t help but notice how much art there was…everywhere! While my cousins were helping navigate, I was happily strolling behind, snapping photos of the works as we walked.
When walking down virtually any street in Israel, you’ll see graffiti. Political statements, quotes, and even murals decorate empty spaces on buildings. This is something that always catches my eye as I walk around, especially in Tel Aviv. Art has always had a special place in my heart, but something about Israeli art speaks to me about the culture here. The vibrancy and messages that look at me as I pass by paint a new picture of Israel. It gives me a better sense of what Israel is and who the people are. Just by looking at the murals, I’m able to understand the land a little bit more. The street art here is nothing new.
Graffiti in Israel got a boost during the early 2000’s from artist Banksy, an anonymous England-based street artist, who caused a stir with authorities during a visit to Israel1 Banksy is known for insane pranks as well, going as far as partially shredding a piece of his own work that sold for $1.4 million moments prior to the discovery of its destruction2.
Closer to home, there is an anonymous Israeli street art group called Broken Fingaz. The group got their start in 2001 after four high school students, Unga, Tant, Kip, and Deso, decided to enhance the walls of Haifa3. You may have seen their work at the Haifa Port in recent weeks.
Many pieces of graffiti in Israel are elaborate works of art and others can serve as a “crash course to Israeli Society”4. In fact, because of the realization that street art attracts visitors and tourism, many local governments have ventures with street artists.
Tel Aviv is known as the “street art capital of Israel”5. Blank spaces on walls or posts don’t last long before they’re decorated in art. In the Florentin neighborhood, street art has taken over in the best way possible. The neighborhood is seen as the “epicenter” of the street art scene in Tel Aviv6.
If you aren’t in Tel Aviv, it’s almost guaranteed that there’s a mural no matter where you are in Israel. Haifa has also become a scene for street art. I have not had a chance to go check it out yet, but it’s on my list to go see while I am here!
Part of what makes art so impactful, in my opinion, is the lack of words. Sure, most works have some here and there, or are words altogether, but the ability to convey such strong emotions using lines and color is astonishing. To elicit an emotional response with nothing telling you, ‘this is sad and here is why”. I feel that in this way, there are concepts and emotions that are expressed that cannot be put into words. That is where the magic lies.
The art scene goes beyond decorating blank spaces along buildings. There is an organization called Artists4Israel that works to assist communities affected by terror. Artists4Israel, “prevents the spread of bigotry through art and helps communities and people affected by people and hate”7. They also build “Healing Arts Kits” that were designed by mental health professionals to prevent PTSD. Currently, these kits are being sent to children in communities affected by the events of October 7th. The organization has over 800 murals painted on everything from bomb shelters to orphanages.
“These murals transform the grim reminders of war and terrorism into outdoor art galleries, beautify areas in need of renewal, add color to communities darkened by poverty and show that Israeli communities in need are supported by the world’s most talented artists.” - Artists4Israel website
The art here is only a snippet of the culture in Israel. It is a way for people to express themselves, their opinions, and their talents. It also showcases how beautiful Israel is and how, now more than ever, art is being used to bring light into our daily lives.
Song of the Week
לך לישון
Leich lee-shown
Go to sleep
Ana Zak is an Israeli singer and model. I first heard this song when visiting family here in 2022. I’ve been hooked ever since! This song is super catchy and never fails to make me smile. It has also taught me how to say, “go to sleep” in Hebrew! I hope this song brightens your day!
Slang of the Week
תכלס
Tachles
Meaning: “In reality”
Thank you for reading this week’s post. We hope that you will continue to enjoy and spread the love by recommending Sababoosh to friends.
Additionally, you can listen to our newest podcast episode with Dan Ariely on Israeli resilience here.
We wish you a Shabbat shalom and a pleasant weekend!
Even more coming your way this July! Stay tuned…
“Graffiti in Israel *.” Israel and You, 7 Sept. 2020, www.israelandyou.com/graffiti-in-israel/.)
Mancoff, Debra N. “Banksy | Biography, Art, & Facts.” Encyclopædia Britannica. 26 July 2018. www.britannica.com/biography/Banksy
Hadadi, Dror. Broken Fingaz Crew – Street Art & Graffiti – Dror Hadadi. drorhadadi.com/broken-fingaz-crew/.
“Graffiti in Israel *.” Israel and You, 7 Sept. 2020, www.israelandyou.com/graffiti-in-israel/.
Savoy Sea Side. “Street Art in Israel: Diving into the Vibrant Scene - Savoy Hotel.” SAVOY HOTEL TEL AVIV, 2 Oct. 2023, savoyseaside.com/street-art-in-israel/.
Savoy Sea Side. “Street Art in Israel: Diving into the Vibrant Scene - Savoy Hotel.” SAVOY HOTEL TEL AVIV, 2 Oct. 2023, savoyseaside.com/street-art-in-israel/.
“Artists 4 Israel.” Artists 4 Israel, www.artists4israel.org.
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