What would you prefer? To hear a long lecture filled with numerical facts or to see a musical performance putting across the same content in a light and entertaining manner? In the 1980s, Keren Hayesod decided to replace the lectures that were ordinarily delivered to Jews around the world with a show that surveyed the development of the state through text, poetry and music. The show was written by Dan Almagor, a well-known Israeli writer, and featured the best Israeli artists of the period, such as Rivka Raz, Hanoch Levin and Dorit Reuveni. It was performed in Spain, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela and Colombia, with enormous success. The revenues from the campaign were far higher than expected. In the 1980s, Keren Hayesod put on additional shows together with the leading Israeli ensemble of the time, “Hakol Over Habibi”; these performances raised funds beyond all expectations. To this day, leading Israeli artists travel around the world for Keren Hayesod, helping to raise funds and strengthen ties with the Diaspora. Shiri Maimon, Idan Raichel and Sarit Hadad are just a few of the Israeli artists who have taken part in Keren Hayesod campaigns in recent years.
Photo: Dan Almagor and his ensemble before his trip abroad, 1982