Help Support the
Jerusalem Symphony
Orchestra

A Message from the Music Director

The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, one of Israel's oldest cultural institutions, will mark its 90th anniversary next season.

Today, the orchestra is facing a real threat of severe downsizing due to the dramatic reduction of public and municipal funding in the current situation affecting Israel.

Over the past years, I have worked to restore the orchestra's international artistic standing, bring it back to the stages of leading European concert halls, and rebuild its artistic future.

At this very moment, there is a real danger of losing everything that has been rebuilt through enormous effort.

In order to preserve the orchestra, its musicians, and its full artistic activity, long-term support of USD 2 million annually over the next five years is urgently needed.

This is no longer only about music.

The loss of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra in the year of its 90th anniversary would be an irreparable loss for the cultural life of Jerusalem and Israel.

A Message from the Artistic Director

As Artistic Director of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, I speak not only as a musician, but as someone who deeply believes that culture is one of the foundations of any civilized society.

In difficult times, people sometimes ask whether culture can wait. Perhaps the better question is this: if we stop supporting culture, what exactly are we trying to preserve?

For nearly 90 years, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra has been an important part of the cultural life of Jerusalem and Israel. It is not simply an orchestra. It represents history, tradition, education, inspiration, and a connection between generations.

Today, the orchestra is facing a critical moment. To secure its immediate future, we urgently need to raise 2 million dollars.

This is not simply about funding another institution. It is about preserving a major cultural institution that has served society for decades and deserves to continue doing so.

A Message from the Concertmaster

I wish to express our deep concern regarding the severe financial crisis currently threatening the very existence of our orchestra.

The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra is a remarkable and essential cultural institution — not only for Jerusalem, but for the State of Israel as a whole. Soon, our orchestra will celebrate its 90th anniversary, making it the oldest symphony orchestra in the Land of Israel.

For nearly nine decades, we have proudly represented Jerusalem and Israel through countless concerts of the highest artistic level, collaborating with outstanding conductors and soloists from Israel and around the world. Throughout the years, we have educated generations of listeners and participated in innumerable projects for children, adults, families, and lovers of classical music from every part of Israeli society.

Our orchestra has served as a bridge between cultures, uniting people from the rich and diverse spectrum of Israeli life through music. We have brought joy, comfort, inspiration, and hope to hundreds of thousands of listeners, especially during the most difficult periods in Israel's history. We have celebrated the independence of our country throughout its existence, accompanied state ceremonies for Israeli presidents and prime ministers, and for decades our performances were broadcast on national radio.

We have also welcomed and integrated hundreds of new immigrant musicians from all over the world, contributing not only to Israeli culture, but also to the social and human fabric of this country.

Over the years, like many orchestras in Israel and around the world, we have faced financial difficulties and managed to overcome them with determination and public support. However, the current crisis is deeper and more alarming than ever before. It poses a real and immediate threat to the orchestra's continued existence, to the livelihoods of its musicians, and to one of Israel's most important cultural treasures.

This situation is both painful and absurd. There is no reasonable justification for allowing such a historic and vital institution to live under the constant threat of budget cuts, layoffs, and possible closure.

For the sake of music, culture, education, spiritual and emotional well-being, and for the future of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, we appeal for support and assistance in raising the funds necessary to secure the orchestra's future.

We sincerely hope to find attentive ears, generous hearts, and partners who understand the immense cultural value and importance of preserving this orchestra for future generations.

With respect and gratitude,

A Message from the Concertmaster

For many years, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra has been my musical home. As Concertmaster, I have witnessed the unique power of music to bring people together across generations, cultures, and backgrounds.

For nearly ninety years, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra has been one of Israel's leading cultural institutions, inspiring audiences through concerts, education, and community outreach. Today, however, it faces an unprecedented financial crisis that threatens its future.

The loss of this orchestra would be a profound cultural tragedy for Jerusalem, for Israel, and for the international musical community. Once an orchestra of this artistic caliber disappears, rebuilding it is extraordinarily difficult.

I am proud of my colleagues, whose dedication, professionalism, and artistic excellence remain unwavering despite these challenges. We continue to believe deeply in our mission and in the importance of bringing music to our society.

I urge everyone who values culture, education, and the future of music to support the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. Your contribution is not simply a donation — it is an investment in a living cultural legacy for future generations.

Thank you for helping ensure that the music continues.