Stars in the Sky
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Celebrated Israeli artist Ira Ginzburg created these illustrations to address the trauma of October 7th and its aftermath, while also expressing her hope for a better future. We invite you to display one or more of the images on the walls of your school, synagogue, federation, JCC, etc., to create opportunities for your learners to engage with the events of October 7th and the stories of the individuals and communities.
In addition to using these illustrations as artwork for your walls, they can also be used to spark conversations about strength, loss, growth, and change.
The iCenter has provided files of these images in a number of different sizes. These images are all free to download and use in your environments. This resource suggests creative ways to introduce the images in an interactive educational setting.
To download these posters, choose your option below:
8.5 x 11 Hope Posters | 11 x 17 Hope Posters | Hope Posters with Artist Descriptions | Artist Descriptions
NOTE
We recommend that when using these illustrations, keep in mind that:
1. Integrating art into education encourages creativity, innovation, and self-confidence;
2. Aesthetic experiences open alternative avenues for non-traditional learning styles and the diverse personalities of our learners;
3. Observing, interpreting, and expressing visual (instead of verbal) information provides an in-depth look into learners’ experiences while encouraging them to participate and express themselves freely.
WAYS TO INTERACT WITH THESE IMAGES
QUESTIONS TO EXPLORE
1. Which images appeal to you and why?
2. What feelings do they bring to mind?
3. What are the topics evoked in these images?
Gallery Walk
Choose one or more images to display on the walls of your classroom, school, synagogue, etc. You might leave markers and post-it notes for passers-by to record thoughts or emotions or even to add a caption.
Images as Stories
– While each of these images stands alone, each one tells a story. What is the story being told?
– Create captions for one (or more) image(s).
– If the individuals in these images could speak, what would they say?
– Are there stories that you would add to the collection?
Interpreting Images
Thinking Routines are simple and engaging strategies designed to deepen learners’ thinking about the theme or event at hand. They encourage observation, exploration, reflection, sharing, questioning, reasoning, and acceptance of different viewpoints.
Each thinking routine starts with looking at the artwork silently for at least one whole minute. Take time to look at the image and use these as prompts:
– What do you see?
– What do you think about that?
– What does it make you wonder?
– Do you think it conveys the present situation in Israel?
THE WHEAT GROWS AGAIN
Inspired by the iconic Israeli memorial song “The Wheat Grows Again” by Dorit Tzameret, this illustration embodies the resilience and hope that arise from tragedy. The song, written after the Yom Kippur War, symbolizes the idea that even in the wake of immense loss, with human effort and commitment, life can flourish again. In this illustration, a broken heart buried in the soil represents a seed that, despite being shattered, gives rise to a tiny sprout of hope. This sprout, nurtured by a little girl watering the soil, symbolizes the popping up of light from darkness, and the nurturing of ideas for peace and a better future.
Activity
Have learners plant and pot the seed to grow their own flowers and design the exterior of the pot to exemplify themes like strength, growth, resilience, and hope. For those who work in a setting that permits it, allow learners to nurture their sprouts over time.
Discussion Questions
1. How does hope grow from tragedy?
2. During difficult times, what gives you hope?
3. What do you believe is the connection between darkness and light?
STITCHING WOUNDS
“Stitching Wounds” is a thought-provoking piece that captures the October 7th war through a visual metaphor. The artwork depicts a woman stitching a blanket, featuring the Star of David and western Negev settlements. Her act of stitching symbolizes the effort to mend deep-seated wounds of conflict and division, suggesting a desire for healing and reconciliation. The woman’s quiet determination speaks to resilience and hope. The illustration invites viewers to contemplate healing in a region torn by recent conflict, raising questions about identity, coexistence, and reconciliation. Through its nuanced symbolism, it encourages dialogue and reflection on the path toward peace.
Activity
In the model of the contemporary Israeli artist Hanoch Piven, create something beautiful from “random pieces” by providing learners with a collection of objects (i.e. markers, loose paper, fidget toys, etc.) from your educational setting. Prompt participants to think about the objects’ former use, what they can represent, and how things that appear separate can come together to form a meaningful and complete image.
Discussion Questions
1. What efforts are needed to mend conflict and division?
2. How do different people come together as one?
3. What are the pieces of our own personal tapestry?
BIRDS OF HOPE
This illustration features children of various colors and nationalities lying on the grass, creating “angels” with their arms and legs. The angel shapes are surrounded by the outline of a dove, a universal symbol of peace.
Activity
Allow learners to become doves, the symbols of peace by outlining their hands with markers against a shared backdrop. This can also be done by coating everyone’s hands in paint. Learners can design their outlines/handprints to reflect their unique visions for peace.
Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean to see ourselves as doves, symbols of peace?
2. How can each of us have a “hand” in creating a peaceful world?
SWALLOWS OF CHANGE
The swallow bird in the scene symbolizes a change in weather, reflecting our hope that the political climate in Israel and around the world will transform for the better. The swallow bird is indeed often associated with changes in weather and seasons, particularly the arrival of spring. In many cultures, the appearance of swallows is linked to the end of winter and the beginning of spring. This association has led to their use as symbols of hope, renewal, and positive change.
Activity
Cut out your own paper swallows to decorate your learning space. Learners should design their swallows to reflect the changes they want to see in Israel and the world at large. Use this video for instructions.
Discussion Questions
1. What will bring forth the “spring” for Israel? What might that “spring” look like?
2. How can we, as individuals, motivate larger, societal changes?
HELLO FIRST GRADE
This illustration addresses the challenging reality faced by teachers and students as they return to school after the tragedy. It raises the question of how educators will help children cope with the painful absence of their missing friends, emphasizing the need for compassion, understanding, and support in the healing process.
Activity
Prompt participants to think about something they cared about and lost, physically or otherwise. This could be a pet, a relationship, a possession, etc. Provide participants with journals and writing utensils to write a letter to what they lost. They might describe what made it special to them, share positive memories, and reflect on what staying importance it has for them even though it’s gone.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you keep what you’ve lost present in your heart and mind?
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