Dear friends,

Many heartfelt thanks for being in touch and offering support in spirit and in matter. It means the world, especially now, in these hard and lonely times. The recent release of some of the hostages in a cruel week-long trickle has ended, and the war is raging again, perpetuating hatred and death on both sides. What will our future be? Can we imagine love and life? We must, unequivocally.

It’s hard to believe that two months have passed since October 7th. Our studios are busy, our teams are back at full capacity, and we uphold the same lively intensity of action which is the famous Batsheva spirit. In the theater, it is moving to witness the luminous generosity extended by the dancers, who create with their beauty, talent, and humanity an emotionally charged experience at every show. It is a privilege to be able to offer that to the public.

Substantial tours to Italy, Germany, Japan, and the USA were postponed to 2025 and 2026, so we reworked our season to present a rich repertoire locally in 2024. We look forward to welcoming you here when you resume your travel plans.

I know many of you are supporting important causes related to the war and I thank you for that. The best way to assist us at this moment of crisis would be to uphold your annual pledge.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy Hanukkah,

Warmly,

Dina Aldor
Executive Director, Batsheva Dance Company

2023: A Year of Hope and Sadness

It is hard to speak about 2023 without acknowledging the terrorist attacks of October 7 and ensuing war. We are grateful to Dina Aldor for taking the time to send us periodic updates on how our beloved dance company is managing during these difficult times.

The architect Joshua Ramus said, “Synthesis is now equally important to – if not more potent – than creation. We look for connections between ideas, whether new, existing, or forgotten.” This is the essence of Nurit Amdur, American Friends of Batsheva’s (AFB) immediate past president and Board member. Nurit has the unique ability to create beauty through synthesis, whether it is her textile art or planning an event in support of AFB. Thank you, Nurit, for all that you have done on behalf of AFB. Your talents and unwavering dedication and service to AFB will be missed, but we know that you are not far away.

Nurit led AFB in a successful year connecting with patrons and supporters of Batsheva. We’d like to take a moment to reflect on these successes. The year began with Batsheva returning to the New York stage for the first time since 2019. On February 28, Batsheva began a two-week run at the Joyce Theater performing Ohad Naharin’s iconic “Hora” to sold-out crowds. Following opening night, AFB patrons celebrated, wined, dined, and danced at AFB’s Gala Celebration at the historic Altman Building. Company dancers Chen Agron and Igor Ptashenchuk gave a salsa dance demo during the gala that had the crowd on their feet – and a few even ventured onto the dance floor!

AFB raised nearly $450,000 for Batsheva – the most ever raised through an AFB gala. This was possible because of your dedication to AFB and your incredible support. Todah Rabbah!

As always, many American patrons and dance lovers took in a night at Batsheva while they were in Israel this past year, seeing productions of “MOMO” and a reprisal of “Anafaza”. Some even joined Batsheva for their own gala in June.

We look forward to a time when we can be together again soon.

With gratitude,

AFB Board of Directors