The series How Do We Talk About War grew out of the exhibition As Soon as the War is Over, which examines the concept of war through defining historical narratives from our region.
The exhibition offers a broad view of wars as a shaping force in human history: who is considered the victor, who writes the story, and what happens to those left behind.
Through ancient battles, epics, and symbols of peace, it raises questions about heroism, suffering, memory, and hope — questions that continue to resonate in our present.
The encounter with history allows us to observe contemporary reality from a safe distance, and to examine war not merely as an event, but as an ongoing story.
About the Series
Inspired by the exhibition, a special three-part series of events was created, built as a single conceptual arc: how war is recounted, who the hero within it is, and how one emerges from it.
Each session focuses on a different angle of this journey — through art, creativity, and thought — tracing how ancient war narratives continue to roll forward into contemporary culture: into television, literature, music, and illustration. Each session can be attended independently, though attending the full series is especially recommended.
Session Two
“I Want to Be a Hero”
May 20, 2026| Wednesday | 19:00
The second session turns the gaze inward — to the figure of the fighter and the question of heroism.
Under the title “I Want to Be a Hero,” we’ll be joined by Prof. Gur Zak and musician Aya Zahavi.
Professor Zak will take us deep into the great epics of Greek and Roman culture, and together with Aya’s songs we’ll examine what makes a person a hero, what connects heroism to vengeance or forgiveness, and what moral and human costs war exacts from those inside it. The session will combine conversation and musical pieces.
Session Three
“A Song That Comes After the War”
June 10, 2026 | Wednesday | 19:00
In the concluding session, we’ll speak with illustrator Racheli Shalev and musician Daniella Spector about art as a tool for imagining an open future within a present that feels closed.
We’ll explore how a war ends, the way it concludes, and the question of the “happy ending.”
Daniella Spector will perform songs from her repertoire, and illustrator Racheli Shalev will share and demonstrate moments when she drew hopeful endings during wartime — and how those illustrations became reality. The session will combine conversation and musical pieces.
Producer, Content Curator, and Series Moderator: Haya Gilboa, doctoral candidate in the Department of Literature WHERE?
Prices: Adult: 75 NIS | Senior Citizen: 60 NIS | Museum Member: 45 NIS | Student: 60 NIS
Chaya Gilboa
Cancellation Policy:
• Cancellation and a full refund are available up to 48 hours before the scheduled activity / event.
To do so, please contact the museum by email at contact@blmj.org or by phone at +972-2-5611066.
