IN PICTURES: Student artists showcase work exploring Jewish identity

Eight Jewish students have showcased their artistic ware in front of more than 100 people as part of the Union of Jewish Students’ second annual art exhibition.

The event, at JW3 on 11 June, was called ‘Coming Home: Israel Through the Ryes of a New Generation’, and included a variety of media and expression – including photography, mixed art, illustrations, music and graffiti.

The display saw participants receive certificates of completion, presented by UJS President Ella Rose, with prominent Israeli-photographer Liron Weissman addressing the audience. 

‘Coming Home’ was the culmination of the  ‘UJS Incubator’ 2014-15 cycle, one of eleven projects to help Jewish students learn about and engage with Israel.

Weissman said: “It doesn’t matter if you were born here or you moved here, we all have to face the question of who we are in different ways, in different situations.

“Allowing these students the opportunity to explore Jewish identity and Israel, through art is a marvellous way to release the identity issue to the air” .

UJS Israel Engagement Officer Beca Bookman said she was “proud” to have initiated and worked on the programme over the last two years.

“We’ve created a platform that empowers young Jewish artists to take ownership over their Jewish identity and personal relationships with Israel,” she said. “It has given a new voice to these students.”

She added: “This year’s cohort had highly ambitious personalities. They have a strong interest for continuing the work they started with UJS Incubator, and we should all be excited to see what their creativity inspires next.” 

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