Hamas attack destroys Kibbutz Beeri Gallery in Israel
On October 7, 2023, the Kibbutz Beeri Gallery, located in Israel close to the Gaza border, was devastated during the Hamas assault. Established in October 1986 by Orit Svirsky—who tragically lost her life in the attack—the gallery played a vital role in the cultural landscape of Israel's periphery. Dr. Ziva Jelin has directed the gallery since 1993, focusing on integrating cultural experiences into everyday life. Artist-curator Sophie Barzun McKay, who survived by taking refuge in a bomb shelter, referred to the incident as a pogrom. Over its 37-year history, the gallery hosted more than 400 exhibitions, supported by the government, fostering community art and dialogue. Jelin affirmed plans for reconstruction.
Key facts
- Kibbutz Beeri Gallery destroyed on October 7, 2023 during Hamas attack
- Gallery founded in October 1986 by Orit Svirsky, who was killed in the attack
- Dr. Ziva Jelin has been director since 1993
- Sophie Barzun McKay, artist-curator since 2012, survived by hiding in a bomb shelter
- Gallery hosted over 400 exhibitions in 37 years
- Supported by Israeli government's Culture and Sports Administration as a non-profit
- Featured artists including Gil Nadar, Nekoda Singer, Shuli Nachshon, and others
- Gallery will be rebuilt according to Jelin
Entities
Artists
- Orit Svirsky
- Sophie Barzun McKay
- Gil Nadar
- Nekoda Singer
- Shuli Nachshon
- Dov Or-Ner
- Hadas Ophfrat
- Meirav Davish Ben Moshe
- Noam Rabinovitz
- Adva Drori
- Tzazit
- Vered Aharonovitch
- Orly Hummel
- Nir Evron
- Omer Krieger
- Lior Kariel
- Orly Amsalem
- Noa Raz Melamed
- Masha Yozefpolsky
- Tamar Nissim
Institutions
- Kibbutz Beeri Gallery
- Amministrazione della Cultura e dello Sport del governo (Culture and Sports Administration)
Locations
- Kibbutz Beeri
- Israel
- Gaza