New York Artist's Journey: How My New Year's Painting Reached the Israeli Knesset

Almost a year ago, the story of artist Karin Holzer resonated widely when her painting of the Temple Menorah was selected as one of the ten winners in a competition with over 5,000 artists across the U.S. Holzer sanctified Hashem's name when her winning piece was displayed in Times Square, the famous Manhattan square, on the most significant night for non-Jewish Americans, celebrating New Year's Eve. But it turns out this was just the beginning of the story.

The Menorah painting, decorated with accolades seen by many eyes, took a remarkable turn as it embarked on an international journey, spanning continents. It was featured in highly significant international exhibitions, proving everywhere it was shown to be a platform where the universal language of art spoke to people of different backgrounds, uniting them under the common threads of light, hope, and peace.

Last week, the painting seemingly reached its final destination. It was after Holzer decided to gift the painting to Israel's Foreign Ministry and display it in the office of Minister Eli Cohen. Last week, Holzer and her family traveled to Israel to witness the painting being hung on the office walls.

"I feel there's such great symbolism in this," Holzer remarked during the ceremony. "There is no doubt this is the perfect place for the painting, to be a permanent fixture in Israel's art collection. I feel that just as the chanukiah casts light in the darkness, illuminating even the furthest corners, so too does art have the potential to spotlight our shared humanity. Through the lens of my Menorah painting's incredible journey, I am reminded that every brushstroke has the power to shape a more connected world."

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