The David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie has been hosting an art exhibit in honor of Hadar Goldin, a fallen Israeli soldier.
Goldin, a lieutenant in the Givati Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces, was considered to be a Jewish patriot, humanitarian and artist. He was only 23 years old when he was killed by Hamas terrorists on Aug. 1, 2014, two hours after a cease-fire was declared in Operation Protective Edge in Gaza. The terrorists dragged his body through an underground tunnel deep into Gaza, where it continues to be held hostage to this day.
In order to raise awareness and bring his body home, Goldin’s parents, along with the Consulate General of Israel to Florida, have chosen to display his artwork at the Posnack JCC’s Daub Corridor for the inspirational exhibit, “Hadar Goldin: Art. Family. Inspiration.” The Israel American Council is another participating organization for this exhibit.
Goldin was considered to be a talented and promising artist and this is the first time his work has been showcased in an exhibition designed to share his spirit, humor, and artistic talent as well as honor his memory. The exhibition includes sketches, paintings, drawings and photographs from his early childhood, his art studies in England and Israel and his personal work during his military service.
The exhibit’s recent opening event honored Goldin’s parents, Leah and Simcha Goldin, and included remarks by the local Israeli consul general, Lior Haiat.
Haiat said in an interview said, “This is probably the most important thing I’ve done since I came to Miami to be the consul general a year ago.”
“I think Hadar Goldin’s story is one of those few things that unite the people of Israel and hopefully it will unite the Jewish people in this community and around the world,” Haiat noted. “Although he is not related to me, I feel that he is part of my family.”
Leah Goldin said that the exhibit and its warm reception at the opening event filled her with “energy.”
“On a daily basis, we are losing energy because after all he was killed, but getting together and enjoying his art really fills us with a lot of energy.”
Simcha Goldin said that the exhibit honoring his son is “some kind of remembrance of a soldier” and that it’s “a unique view of an Israel soldier.”
Michael L. Balaban, president and chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of Broward County, said regarding his thoughts on the exhibit during its opening event, “The ability to translate tragedy into both positive imagery and the ability to bring the community together is how I view this exhibit.”
“The family is looking to see how can we bring community together out of what was a tragedy in their household and in Israel,” Balaban continued.
The exhibit’s opening was on Feb. 9. At press time, the exhibit is expected to be on display at the JCC’s Daub Corridor for approximately a month from the time of its opening. Visit dpjcc.org or call 954-434-0499 for more information. The Posnack JCC is located at 5850 S Pine Island Road in Davie.
