October 7th was more than a day; it became a moment that reshaped what it means to be Jewish in our time.
HaAliyah is a new body of work by Avraham Vofsi that delves into the sacrifices and resilience of Jewish life in the face of immense challenges. Rooted in the dual meaning of Aliyah—ascent and cost—the series explores what it means to rise during a time of collective upheaval.
"I don’t know how I feel yet, but I know the only thing I can do is keep painting. I need to paint the images and stories until I find something beautiful in them."
–Avraham Vofsi
Drawing from his own experiences as an oleh chadash as well as the stories of other Israelis and Diaspora Jews, Vofsi offers a deeply personal yet universal perspective. In grappling with how to represent this moment, Vofsi chose to reject both false optimism and the unbearable weight of horror. Instead, his work explores the cost of survival—not just in sacrifice, but in the emotional and spiritual toll it takes on a people forced to rise.
The paintings in HaAliyah were created during months of travel across Israel, as Vofsi sought out scenes that spoke to the complexities of the moment. From the stark emptiness of a kibbutz field to the quiet resolve in the faces of volunteers, each image reflects his process of witnessing, feeling, and transforming experience into art.
Bring Them Home Dog-tag with Yellow Ribbon
Erez Eshel
Kerem Shalom, after Christina's world
Car Yard at Kibbutz Tkuma
Maggie May Moshe
Kikar Dizengoff at Sunset
Ari Dayan
Unit 106 near the Syrian Border
Through this work, Vofsi seeks to process the unthinkable by creating art that feels truthful to the moment. His paintings aim to capture the complexity of living through trauma, offering a space for reflection, connection, and perhaps, a glimmer of grace. HaAliyah is not an answer to the questions raised by October 7th, but it is a step toward understanding. It reflects the idea that after this moment, the distinction between Israel and the Diaspora has blurred—our shared history, collective pain, and enduring peoplehood now unite us more than ever.
Bringing HaAliyah to Your Community
HaAliyah doesn’t just stop at the canvas—it’s meant to inspire connection, reflection, and action within Jewish communities, as well as between the Jewish and Non-Jewish communties around the world. Through engaging talks and interactive workshops, Avraham shares the stories behind HaAliyah, explores the impact of art in processing collective trauma, and offers unique insights into the realities of Jewish life in the wake of October 7th.
With options tailored to your community’s needs, here are several ways to bring HaAliyah to your museum, synagogue, or organization:
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An engaging 20-minute talk followed by a Q&A session. Avraham shares the stories and themes behind HaAliyah, reflecting on his experiences as an oleh chadash and his journey processing the war through classical oil painting. Perfect for art lovers, history buffs, or anyone seeking to better understand Jewish resilience and identity.
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Dive deeper into the paintings with Avraham leading a guided tour of the exhibition. He’ll walk attendees through select works, unpacking their symbolism, techniques, and the moments that inspired them. Includes a personalized Q&A, making it an ideal option for museums or intimate gallery settings.
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A hands-on workshop where participants explore how art can be a tool for healing and connection. After a short introduction to Avraham’s creative process, attendees are guided through their own art-making experience. This session focuses on storytelling and emotion, making it accessible to all skill levels.
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Pair Avraham’s artist talk with a facilitated community discussion or panel, featuring local leaders, educators, or mental health professionals. This tier encourages reflection on the intersection of art, Jewish identity, and the shared experience of recent events.
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A specialized session designed for art students, professional painters, or anyone interested in deepening their artistic practice. Avraham shares his techniques for creating emotionally resonant works, with a focus on composition, color, and the narrative power of classical oil painting. Participants will have the chance to explore storytelling in their own work through live demonstrations and critiques.
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For communities looking to go deeper, Avraham can participate in an extended residency. This option includes a combination of talks, workshops, and one-on-one sessions tailored to your group. It’s an opportunity for meaningful engagement and an unforgettable cultural experience.
We are looking for more communities to visit.
Please reach out to avi@avrahamvofsi.com if you have a community or organisation that would like to have the artwork featured for an evening.