by Sigal Drori-Pazi, Partnership Manager

Ofakim's Igloo Art Gallery was officially dedicated during a festive ceremony on June 27, 2006.  Famous Israeli artists such as Rafi Lavi, Uri Gershoni, Micky Kertzman, Gidon Gechtman and more displayed their works with the works of the students from Ofakim, side by side without hierarchy.  The combination was beautiful.  The gallery also included the works of Bedouin students from another station of the project  in Rahat who have been working with David Wakstein.  The Igloo was announced as a regional gallery, and we hope that this will be the beginning of continued cooperation and cohesiveness between all neighbors in our region.  I also want to express gratitude to Kibbutz Be'eri for the wonderful renovations that provide such a lovely setting for the project.  Finally, we were excited to have Ofakim Mayor Avi Asraf give his full support and recognition of the entire project at the opening events.  With such wonderful foundations and support, and such a successful opening, I am looking forward to the Igloo's continued growth and many more events to come.