Grassroots Jewish Women of CT, Young Israel of West Hartford and Greater Hartford for Israel hosts Israel Defense Force captain and art show to support of Israel defense.

Submitted by Robin Kipnis on behalf of Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut

On Sunday Jan. 5, representatives from Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut, Greater Hartford for Israel, and the Young Israel of West Hartford synagogue came in from the cold after the weekly march in support of Israeli and for the release of hostages, to eat bagels, view stunning art work, and hear from Captain Roi R., an Israeli artist and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) veteran soldier speak about his experiences during his service in the war in Gaza.

Courtesy photo

The sanctuary of Young Israel was transformed into an art gallery showcasing Roi’s work as well as several talented local artists affiliated with the Grassroots group.

Nearly 100 people turned out for this demonstration of community spirit and viewing of stunning art all to support a worthy cause, the IDF, who are currently engaged in a multi-front war in the Middle East. Roi spoke to the gathering about his personal experience on Oct. 7, 2023, when he was called to defend against Hamas terrorists who had infiltrated southern Israel, massacring 1,200 people and kidnapping 250 hostages. He talked about his specific mission at the outset of the war as well as his extensive training to become a soldier.

He spoke about how his art was his therapy during breaks from the fighting. Many of his works envision the topography of the land in which he lives and fought, with earth tones and raised painted surfaces that, when moved from side to side, change color to mimic the sun moving across the sky and causing the color of the land to change.

Courtesy photo

The event also showcased several local artists connected to the Grassroots Jewish Women of CT who displayed a wide range of styles and mediums. Sandra Hershon-Weiner’s bright paintings depicted bold flowers, red poppies, and golden colors. Sandra Chase presented masterful watercolors and collages. Rachel Sanborn exhibited vividly decorated wooden mandala plates and wall art with Hebrew and English phrases which would be the literal centerpiece of any dining room table. Lisa Kassow shared elegant collages that enthralled all who viewed them. All of the artists donated 50% to 100% of the proceeds from their sales to directly supporting the IDF soldiers and their families.

Rabbi Tuvia Brander, the spiritual leader of Young Israel, who graciously opened his synagogue for the event, expressed how pleased he was that Grassroots Jewish Women of CT and the community could come together to help support Israel. “It was truly our privilege to host Roi and showcase his art and the art of the dedicated women of the Grassroots Jewish Women of CT. We are proud to be an anchor of the pro-Israel community in the Greater Hartford region,” he said.

Grassroots Jewish Women of CT organizer Sharon Conway, whose organization had sponsored Roi as a Young Emissary five years ago and before his military service, was thrilled to have Roi back in the community and to help arrange this event to give back to Israel. “Roi was a hardworking and dedicated emissary for Israel when he was here. It is now our community’s turn to give back to Israel in the form of supporting the brave IDF soldiers fighting for Israel,” Conway stated.

The Grassroots Jewish Women of CT is an organization of approximately 200 members whose mission is to support Israel through advocacy and address antisemitism in all its forms. Young Israel of West Hartford is a staple of Jewish life in the Greater Hartford region and Greater Hartford for Israel organizes the Jewish community in Greater Hartford to support Israel and combat antisemitism.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.